🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space. The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.