🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. 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 first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “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 operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. 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 first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “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 operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.