🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known 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 Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known 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 Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.