🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “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 period after the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “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 period after the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.