🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. 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 featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. 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 featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.