Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

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 pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described 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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.