Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism 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 in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
