Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, 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 followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.