Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

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 kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.