🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.