Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed 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 scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.