🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.