🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.