đ Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression After âTsunami of Harassment Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a âtsunami of harassmentâ in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen â celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI told her my depression might last for years,â she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. âFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,â she revealed. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for â from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage â was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the âfog of grief has started to liftâ, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. âYour support rescued me,â she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the KĂĄrmĂĄn line of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a âtsunami of harassmentâ in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen â celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI told her my depression might last for years,â she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. âFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,â she revealed. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for â from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage â was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the âfog of grief has started to liftâ, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. âYour support rescued me,â she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the KĂĄrmĂĄn line of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.