Crew Member Discloses Depression After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

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 aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, 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 public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She described 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.