🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, 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 being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. 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 In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, 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 being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. 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 In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.