Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.

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