🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.