🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. 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 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 gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. 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 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 gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.