Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

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