Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

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

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including 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 the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.