🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She characterized 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She characterized 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.