Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” 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 women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
