🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.