Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision 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 intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone 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.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.