Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.