🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.