Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.