Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

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

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

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