🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.