Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.