🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She described 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She described 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.