Summary
Amanda Nguyen, a Blue Origin astronaut, experienced depression after facing heavy criticism and harassment following the first all-female space flight. Nguyen, who participated in an 11-minute space journey with notable figures including pop star Katy Perry and Lauren Sánchez, shared how the backlash affected her deeply. Despite the negative reactions, Nguyen found support and highlighted the positive outcomes, such as attention on her women's health research.
Key Facts
- Amanda Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American astronaut and civil rights activist.
- She flew on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket in April 2025, marking the first all-female space trip.
- The flight drew criticism for its cost and environmental impact.
- Nguyen described facing intense harassment and described the experience as an "avalanche of misogyny."
- She was unable to leave Texas for a week after the flight due to depression.
- The New Shepard rocket is fully automated and does not require human operation.
- Blue Origin is a private space company founded by Jeff Bezos, who also founded Amazon.
- Despite the backlash, the flight brought attention to Nguyen's research and advocacy work.
