🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Depression After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the mission 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 April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.