🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.