🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.