🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.