🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated 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 social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated 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 social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.