🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history 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,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of 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 female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history 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,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of 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 female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.