🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.