Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

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

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

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