Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey

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

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket 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 group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.