Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding 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 scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.