Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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