đ Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist â celebrated as a researcher and activist â was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI explained the depression could persist for a long time,â Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she revealed. âEven a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.â Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts â including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage â was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. âYour support rescued me,â she said. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist â celebrated as a researcher and activist â was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI explained the depression could persist for a long time,â Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she revealed. âEven a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.â Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts â including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage â was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. âYour support rescued me,â she said. She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.