🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.