Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became 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,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction 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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.

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