Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about 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 – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also featured experts in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.