🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn 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 brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included leaders in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm 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 pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn 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 brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included leaders in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.