🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.