🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.