🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” 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 conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” 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 conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.