Crew Member Shares Depression After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

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

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.