🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured experts in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured experts in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.