Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 April, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She portrayed 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.