🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.