🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 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 pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 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 pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.