🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “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 gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “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 gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.