đ Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen â recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI explained the depression could persist for a long time,â the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she revealed. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for â including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage â was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. âYou were my salvation,â she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen â recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI explained the depression could persist for a long time,â the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she revealed. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for â including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage â was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. âYou were my salvation,â she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.