Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.