Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
