🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.