🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “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.” Eclipsed by Backlash 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 historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “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.” Eclipsed by Backlash 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 historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.