🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.