🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated 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, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated 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, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.