Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“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 journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

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