Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction 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, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.