🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 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 researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 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 researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.