🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight 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 enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded 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 enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.