🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.