🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about 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 short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about 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 short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.