🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment 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 spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.