🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Depression After Wave of Backlash 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 struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.