🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” 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 women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” 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 women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.