🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.