Crew Member Reveals Depression After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

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 platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.