🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed 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 high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack 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 has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed 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 high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack 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 has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.