Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history 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, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for 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 historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
