🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, 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 New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The group of women also featured experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, 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 New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The group of women also featured experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.