đ Share this article Crew Member Discloses Depression After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist â known as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. âI explained the depression could persist for a long time,â Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she wrote. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for â from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage â was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. âYou all saved me,â she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also included experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist â known as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. âI explained the depression could persist for a long time,â Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she wrote. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for â from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage â was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. âYou all saved me,â she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also included experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.