Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.