Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She characterized 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.