🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.