🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction 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 Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction 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 Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.