Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became 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,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

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