🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight 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 emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known 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 years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established 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 emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known 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 years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.