Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

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

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

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies 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 sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

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