Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized 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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

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

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.