🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.