🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring 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 the spring, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring 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 the spring, which also included well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.