🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.