Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.