🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.