🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also comprised experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also comprised experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.