Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.

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