🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.