Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse 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 earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “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 conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
