Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “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 women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.