Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.