🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, 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 public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my 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 scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, 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 public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my 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 scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.