🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.