🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.