đ Share this article Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen â known as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon 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. âI told her my depression might last for years,â the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. âStuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,â she wrote. âA month later⌠I had to hang up⌠because I could not speak through my tears.â Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for â including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots â was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights 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 In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. âYour support rescued me,â she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries. 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 a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen â known as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon 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. âI told her my depression might last for years,â the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. âStuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,â she wrote. âA month later⌠I had to hang up⌠because I could not speak through my tears.â Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for â including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots â was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights 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 In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. âYour support rescued me,â she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries. The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.