🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.