Crew Member Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.