Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.