Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.