🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.