Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work 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 protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.