🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.