🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” 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 female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries. The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” 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 female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries. The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.