🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.