Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.