Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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