Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

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

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

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

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.