🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.