🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment 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 period after the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment 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 period after the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.