Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in different industries.

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