🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.