🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse 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 publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.