Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“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
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
