🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.