Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

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

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.