Crew Member Reveals Depression After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 in April, which also included well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams 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 days following the flight.

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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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