🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She characterized 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.