Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.