Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, 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 social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.