Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing 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 the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
