🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.