🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.