Astronaut Reveals Depression After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
