🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.