Crew Member Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse 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 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.