Crew Member Discloses Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism 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 included well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history 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,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.

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