Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.