Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

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

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

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

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.