🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, 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 explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “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 conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, 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 explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “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 conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.