🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression 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 April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company 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 pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.