Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.