Amanda Nguyễn Reflects on Harassment After Historic Space Flight

Amanda Nguyễn, the first Vietnamese-American woman to travel to space, has opened up about the intense backlash she faced following her participation in Blue Origin’s all-female space mission. The flight, which took place in April 2023, was led by Lauren Sánchez, and included notable figures such as Katy Perry and CBS News anchor Gayle King. What was intended to be a landmark achievement for women in aerospace has instead been marred by significant public criticism.

In a candid Instagram post, Nguyễn described experiencing a “tsunami of harassment” after her historic flight. She noted that the overwhelming negativity transformed what should have been a celebratory moment into a distressing ordeal. “My moment of justice mutilated,” she expressed, reflecting on the emotional toll the backlash had on her mental health. She revealed that she struggled with depression and was unable to leave her bed for a week following the mission.

The flight marked a significant milestone as it was the first all-female crew since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963. This achievement garnered attention not only for its groundbreaking nature but also for the environmental concerns it raised and the high costs associated with such commercial space travel. Critics highlighted the ecological footprint of space tourism, prompting discussions about its sustainability.

In response to the criticisms, Gayle King defended the mission, explaining that many detractors failed to comprehend the broader implications of the flight. She noted the positive impact it had on inspiring young girls, emphasizing the importance of representation in STEM fields. “Anybody that’s criticizing it doesn’t really understand what is happening here,” she told People.

Nguyễn, a civil rights activist and founder of the advocacy group Rise, has long been a voice for survivors of sexual violence. Her activism contributed to the passage of the Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act of 2016. In her post, she expressed gratitude to those who supported her during the past eight months, stating that their encouragement was vital to her recovery.

Reflecting on her heritage, Nguyễn shared a poignant message about her family’s journey to the United States. “When my boat refugee family looked at the sky, instead of bombs they saw the first Vietnamese woman in space,” she wrote. Her parents fled Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, and her accomplishment serves as a symbolic triumph over adversity.

Despite the harassment, Nguyễn remains optimistic about the future. She has since reported a lifting of her depression and acknowledged the transformative impact of her flight. Two weeks following the mission, Katy Perry echoed similar sentiments, describing her own struggles with public scrutiny while maintaining a positive outlook.

As the conversation surrounding commercial space travel continues, the experiences of astronauts like Amanda Nguyễn highlight the complexities of public perception and the personal challenges faced by those who break barriers in their fields. The Daily Beast has reached out to Blue Origin for further comment on the matter, but as of now, the mission’s legacy continues to evolve as discussions around its significance unfold.