🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, 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 aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “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.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, 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 aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “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.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.