🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.