🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “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.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “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.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.