Crew Member Discloses Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
