🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.