🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight 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 situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight 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 situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.