🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring 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 researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring 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 researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.