Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

Astronaut during spaceflight
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025.

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“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 days following the journey.

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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.

Dakota Hale
Dakota Hale

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK entertainment trends and casino culture.