🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.