🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.