Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

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

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized 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 years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

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

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.