Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.