Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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