🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.