🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse 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 featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, 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 “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse 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 featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, 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 “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.