🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” 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 gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” 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 gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.