🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company 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 spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.