🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut 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. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut 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. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.