🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, 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 experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, 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 experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.