Crew Member Reveals Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of 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 focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.

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