🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She characterized 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She characterized 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.