🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, 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, recalling a phone call 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 The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, 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, recalling a phone call 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 The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.