🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.