Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.