🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as 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,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included experts in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as 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,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included experts in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.