Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

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 supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

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