Crew Member Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried 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 was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.