Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She described 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack 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 kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.