Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.