🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.