🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.