🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Depression After Deluge of Backlash Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.