Crew Member Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.