đ Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist â recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI explained the depression could persist for a long time,â Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she confessed. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts â from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background â was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. âYou all saved me,â she said. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the KĂĄrmĂĄn line of space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist â recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI explained the depression could persist for a long time,â Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. âI did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,â she confessed. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts â from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background â was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. âYou all saved me,â she said. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the KĂĄrmĂĄn line of space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.