🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Depression After Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.