🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “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 conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “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 conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.