🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, 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 supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, 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 supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.