🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy 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 In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy 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 In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.