🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded 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 struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.