🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge 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 opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight 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 “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She described 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as 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 April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields. The company 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 opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight 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 “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She described 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as 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 April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.