🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.