🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.