🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.