🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured leaders in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded 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 Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The group of women also featured leaders in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.