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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.