Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.