🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 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 – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight 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 historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 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 – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight 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 historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.