Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.

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 pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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