🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. 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 well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, 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,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. 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 well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, 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,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.