Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision 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 negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.