🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.