Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.