🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.