🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.