🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The group of women also comprised experts in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The group of women also comprised experts in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.