🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.