Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries.

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