Crew Member Reveals Depression After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

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

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

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

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

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included experts in different industries.

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