Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.