🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last 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 landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last 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 landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.