🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.