🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 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 pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 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 pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.