🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.