Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.