🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.