🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.