🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.