Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.