🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call 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. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call 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. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.