Crew Member Shares Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries.

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