Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known 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 challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.