🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.