Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.