Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
