Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.