🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. 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 Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.