Recently, Amanda Nguyen, 34 year old rocket scientist and Civil Rights Activist shared her story. After flying aboard Blue Origin’s historic all-female space flight in April of 2025, she received acclaim from fans and critics alike. Nguyen is incredible for her advocacy on behalf of women’s health and civil rights for sexual assault survivors. She’s faced extreme adversity ever since she blasted off into space for her groundbreaking mission.
During the 11-minute flight, Nguyen conducted various scientific experiments, marking a monumental moment as she became the first Vietnamese woman to go to space. Her accomplishment was celebrated widely, yet it was soon overshadowed by a “tsunami of harassment” she received afterward, which she described as “an avalanche of misogyny.”
Nguyen’s journey to this moment was not an easy one. She had already shelved her dreams of becoming an astronaut after surviving a sexual assault while attending university. For years, she fought for justice, fighting for the rights of survivors, like herself. Her persistence has made her a civil rights icon. Although the flight took a toll on her mental health, the public backlash she faced after the flight is what truly changed her life.
In a heartbreaking honest reflection, Nguyen shared just how bad social media harassment affected her soul. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she recounted. The emotional toll put a heavy burden on her. When that same senior staff member at Blue Origin called, she wasn’t able to contain her tears and had to hang up the phone.
As she battled through personal and systemic challenges, Nguyen tapped into an indomitable spirit. As she wrote eight months after this harassment, the “fog of grief has begun to clear.” She thanked those who’ve encouraged and cheered her on along the way, and spoke to the community aspect of healing.
Nguyen’s experiences show that the fight against misogyny and harassment is far from over. These issues are particularly acute in areas where women have historically been marginalized. She continues to advocate for civil rights and women’s health, using her platform to raise awareness about the struggles faced by many.