Crew Member Reveals Depression Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.