Crew Member Shares Depression Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused 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 reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

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

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

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