🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.