🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.