Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn 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 short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“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.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
