Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.