Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

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

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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