🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Depression Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.