Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.