Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.