🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.