🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.