🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She portrayed 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey. She portrayed 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.