Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.