🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.