🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.