Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding 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 researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.