🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler 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. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She portrayed 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also included leaders in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler 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. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She portrayed 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also included leaders in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.