🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She portrayed 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She portrayed 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.