🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression 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 – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression 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 – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.