🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight 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 facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. 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 featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. 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 reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
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 facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. 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 featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. 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 reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.