Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.