🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.