🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.