Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
