🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.