Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

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

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.