Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism 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 earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.