🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.