Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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 focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.