Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

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