🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She portrayed 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. She portrayed 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.