Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests 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 avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.