🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” 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 high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” 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 high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.