Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” 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 April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She portrayed 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

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

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