🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.