Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.