🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.