đ Share this article Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a âtsunami of harassmentâ in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen â celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. âI told her my depression might last for years,â the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. âFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,â she revealed. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement â including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background â was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the âfog of grief has started to liftâ, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. âYou were my salvation,â she said. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a âtsunami of harassmentâ in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen â celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. âI told her my depression might last for years,â the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. âFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,â she revealed. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement â including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background â was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the âfog of grief has started to liftâ, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. âYou were my salvation,â she said. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.