Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

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

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

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

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