🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression Following Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.