🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She portrayed 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She portrayed 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.