🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.