🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.