Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
