Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” 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 included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.