Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history 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,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.