Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.