Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields.

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