Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.