🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred 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 heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred 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 heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.