Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

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

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

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

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.