🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, 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, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “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 operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, 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, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “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 operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.