Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

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