Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.