🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.