🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.