Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.