Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

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 intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.