🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.