🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.