🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized 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 explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized 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 explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.