🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.