🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision 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 torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision 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 torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.