Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

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

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

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,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.