🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.