🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.