🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey 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 spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “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 female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
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 spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “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 female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.