Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
