🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.