Crew Member Discloses Depression Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed 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 revealed. “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 women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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