Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

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

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “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 gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.