Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

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

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.