🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.