🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.