🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.