🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission 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 intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission 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 intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.