Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

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

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.