🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression After Wave of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse 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.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.