🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became 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,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became 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,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.