🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.