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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

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