🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.