Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.