🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost 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 told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “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 female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost 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 told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “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 female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.