🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip 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 wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
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 wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.