🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Depression After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological 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 heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological 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 heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.