Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.