Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She characterized 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.