🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – 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 high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – 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 high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.