🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.