🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement 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 check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement 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 check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.