🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.