🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – 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 heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – 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 heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.