Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

Astronaut during mission
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025.

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted 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 heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.

Rita Davis
Rita Davis

Elara is a seasoned journalist and digital content creator with a passion for uncovering stories that matter.