Crew Member Discloses Depression Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
