Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.