Crew Member Shares 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 – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.