🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.