Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.