🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.