Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.

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

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.