🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.