🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She characterized 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism 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 scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She characterized 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism 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 scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.