🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.