🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.