Scientist and astronaut Amanda Nguyen has spoken candidly about the severe mental health crisis she endured in the wake of her historic journey to space with Blue Origin. The mission, a landmark all-female flight that included high-profile figures like singer Katy Perry and broadcaster Gayle King, was met with intense global criticism over its cost and perceived publicity focus.
The Onslaught of Public Scrutiny
In a deeply personal account, Nguyen described the wave of negative reactions and media coverage that followed the flight as an "onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure." She revealed that this period, which began after the mission on Monday 29 December 2025, plunged her into a state of severe depression. The scientist felt that her professional accomplishments and the historical significance of becoming the first Vietnamese woman in space were completely buried under what she termed "an avalanche of misogyny."
Positive Outcomes Amidst the Backlash
Despite the "tsunami of harassment" and the profound personal toll, Nguyen emphasised several crucial positive outcomes from the mission. The flight succeeded in raising significant awareness and funds for breast cancer research, a cause central to the mission's profile. Furthermore, it irrevocably secured her place in the history books as a pioneering figure in space exploration.
Recovery and Moving Forward
Nguyen has since recovered from her depression, emerging from the experience with a powerful story about the hidden psychological costs of public life and groundbreaking achievement. Her testimony sheds a stark light on the intense pressures faced by those in the public eye, particularly women in STEM and exploration fields, even after participating in a moment of historic triumph.
