Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

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

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.