Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

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