🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.