Space Traveler Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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