Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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 carbon footprint.

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

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site 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 featured leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.