🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. 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 high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “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.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. 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 high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “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.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.