🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded 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 opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.