🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip 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 being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She portrayed 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company 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 being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She portrayed 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.