Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring 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 the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

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

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

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

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.