Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.