π Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen β recognized as a researcher and activist β was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an βavalanche of misogynyβ. βI told her my depression might last for years,β she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an βonslaught no human brain has evolved to endureβ. βFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,β she revealed. βA month laterβ¦ I had to hang upβ¦ because I could not speak through my tears.β Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for β including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots β was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. βYour support rescued me,β she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen β recognized as a researcher and activist β was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an βavalanche of misogynyβ. βI told her my depression might last for years,β she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an βonslaught no human brain has evolved to endureβ. βFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,β she revealed. βA month laterβ¦ I had to hang upβ¦ because I could not speak through my tears.β Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for β including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots β was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. βYour support rescued me,β she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.