🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines. The venture 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 aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.