🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” 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 conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” 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 conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.