🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, 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, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” 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 gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, 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, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” 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 gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.