Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history 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 online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

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

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.