Crew Member Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

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

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries.

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