🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space. The group of women also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space. The group of women also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.