Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured 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 made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

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