Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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