Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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