🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became 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,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became 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,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.