🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.