🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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 dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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 dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.