š Share this article Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen ā celebrated as a researcher and activist ā 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 experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. āI told her my depression might last for years,ā she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an āonslaught no human brain has evolved to endureā. āI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,ā she confessed. āA month laterā¦ I had to hang upā¦ because I could not speak through my tears.ā Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for ā including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage ā was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the āfog of grief has started to liftā, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. āYou all saved me,ā she said. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries. The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen ā celebrated as a researcher and activist ā 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 experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. āI told her my depression might last for years,ā she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an āonslaught no human brain has evolved to endureā. āI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,ā she confessed. āA month laterā¦ I had to hang upā¦ because I could not speak through my tears.ā Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for ā including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage ā was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the āfog of grief has started to liftā, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. āYou all saved me,ā she said. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries. The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.