🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.