Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries.

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