Crew Member Discloses Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.