Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

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

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.