Amanda Nguyen Opens Up About Space Flight Backlash and Depression

Amanda Nguyen, a prominent Vietnamese-American scientist and civil rights activist, has shared her personal struggle with depression following a wave of backlash after participating in an all-female space flight. This significant event took place on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, marking the first all-female crew since 1963.

Amanda Nguyen and Her Space Flight Experience

At 34 years old, Nguyen joined pop star Katy Perry and journalist Lauren Sánchez on the 11-minute flight in April 2025. The mission drew criticism primarily based on its cost and environmental impacts. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman to journey into space, described the aftermath as “an avalanche of misogyny.”

Facing Backlash and Depression

In a heartfelt Instagram post, she recounted an overwhelming reaction to the flight, stating that the media scrutiny was “an onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure.” After the flight, she found herself unable to leave her home for days, confined to bed due to her emotional distress. A call from fellow crew member Gayle King provided some comfort, yet Nguyen confessed, “My depression might last for years.”

Impact of Advocacy Work

Nguyen has long been an advocate for the civil rights of sexual assault survivors. Her journey to becoming an astronaut was interrupted by her experience as a rape survivor while at university. Despite the recent backlash, she reflected on how the flight provided renewed attention to her advocacy, particularly regarding women’s health research.

• Role: Scientist and civil rights activist.
• Flight Date: April 2025.
• Significant Crew Members: Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Kerianne Flynn.
• Company: Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000.
• Flight Duration: 11 minutes.

Looking Forward

Nguyen expressed gratitude for the support she received during this challenging time. She noted, “You all saved me,” indicating a gradual lifting of her emotional turmoil. Despite the difficulties, she acknowledged a positive outcome from the space flight, highlighting opportunities for advocacy and collaboration with global leaders.

As she moves forward, the legacy of her achievements as the first Vietnamese woman to venture into space resonates alongside her ongoing commitment to civil rights and justice for survivors. Her story underlines the complex intersection of ambition, adversity, and the necessary dialogue around mental health in the face of public scrutiny.