Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

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