đ Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a âtsunami of harassmentâ in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen â known as a researcher and activist â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. âI told her my depression might last for years,â the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she confessed. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts â including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage â was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. âYou all saved me,â she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the KĂĄrmĂĄn line of outer space. The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a âtsunami of harassmentâ in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen â known as a researcher and activist â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. âI told her my depression might last for years,â the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she confessed. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts â including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage â was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. âYou all saved me,â she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the KĂĄrmĂĄn line of outer space. The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.