🔗 Share this article Crew Member 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 New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.