Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

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

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included experts in different industries.

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