Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.