🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known 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 years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known 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 years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.