🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.