Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission 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, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.