Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized 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 met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.