🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She described 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched 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 spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She described 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.