A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen â celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an âavalanche of misogynyâ.
âI said the emotional pain might endure for years,â Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she confessed. âEven a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.â
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement â including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots â was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. âYour support rescued me,â she wrote.
She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
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