Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

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

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.