🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.