🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.