Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated 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 mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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