🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused 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 reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured leaders in various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused 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 reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured leaders in various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.