đ Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist â known as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI told her my depression might last for years,â Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. âFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,â she confessed. âA month later⌠I had to hang up⌠because I could not speak through my tears.â Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts â including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage â was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she reports that the âfog of grief has started to liftâ, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. âYou were my salvation,â she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist â known as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI told her my depression might last for years,â Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. âFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,â she confessed. âA month later⌠I had to hang up⌠because I could not speak through my tears.â Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts â including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage â was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she reports that the âfog of grief has started to liftâ, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. âYou were my salvation,â she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.