Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.