🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.