🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.