Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about 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 researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.