Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut 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 researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
