Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake 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 in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

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

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.