Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.