🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression After Wave of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, 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 massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, 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 massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.