🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Depression After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.