đ Share this article Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist â known as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. âI told her my depression might last for years,â the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she wrote. âEven a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.â Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement â from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots â was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights 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. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. âYou were my salvation,â she said. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist â known as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. âI told her my depression might last for years,â the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she wrote. âEven a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.â Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement â from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots â was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights 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. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. âYou were my salvation,â she said. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.