🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized 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 intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized 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 intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.