Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of 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 mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.

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