Amanda Nguyen Reflects on Historic Blue Origin Flight and Subsequent Backlash
Amanda Nguyen, the Vietnamese-American astronaut, made history in April 2025 as part of Blue Origin's all-female spaceflight, becoming the first Vietnamese woman in space. The flight also included notable figures such as Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez, but faced criticism over its environmental impact and questions regarding its purpose.
Following the mission, Nguyen experienced a "tsunami of harassment" and "billions of hostile impressions," which deeply affected her mental health, leading to depression. She revealed that the backlash was so intense she was unable to leave her bed for a week and was unable to speak to a Blue Origin staff member a month after the flight due to emotional distress.
Nguyen's past includes a significant civil rights activism career for sexual assault survivors. After being raped at university, she had temporarily put her astronaut aspirations on hold. Her activism earned her a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2019 and recognition as Time's Woman of the Year in 2022. Despite the personal attacks surrounding the spaceflight, she felt like "collateral damage" and that her moment of justice was "mutilated by the backlash."
Eight months after the flight, Nguyen reports that the "fog of grief is lifting" and expresses gratitude to those who supported her. She credits her Vietnamese heritage for helping her endure this difficult time. Positive outcomes from the experience include increased media attention to her women's health research and opportunities to engage with world leaders about advocacy for rape survivors.
Nguyen poignantly contrasted her family's refugee experience with her space journey: "We came on boats, and now we're on spaceships." This statement highlights a remarkable journey from hardship to historic achievement.
