🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated 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 heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured leaders in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated 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 heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured leaders in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.