🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.