🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.