🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring 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 earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also featured experts in different industries. The company behind the mission 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 April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring 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 earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “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.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space. The group of women also featured experts in different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.