Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“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 aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

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