🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse 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 enduring 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
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 enduring 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.