🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.