🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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 conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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 conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.