Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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