🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision 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 negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision 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 negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.