Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

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