🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.