🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged 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 Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged 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 Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.