Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” 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 earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.