🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Depression After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by 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 – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by 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 – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.