Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

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