🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, 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,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, 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,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.