Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.