🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture 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 aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.