🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.