🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries. The venture 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 New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.