🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn 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 – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn 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 – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.