🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.