Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as 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,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

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