🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.