🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission 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 vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission 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 vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.