Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

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

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