🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.