Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

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

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

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

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

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

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.