🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.