Crew Member Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.