Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” 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 featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.