Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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 women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.

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