Space Traveler Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.