Crew Member Shares Depression After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse 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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.