Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

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

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.