Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed 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 – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.