🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.