🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value 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 landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value 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 landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.