Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
