Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

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

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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