Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

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

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.