🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries. The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries. The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.