Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

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