Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

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

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.