Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.

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