🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized 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 intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized 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 intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.