🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.