🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.