Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “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 conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

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