🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.