🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, 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 said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, 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 said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.