🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed 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 Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed 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 Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.