A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also included experts in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
