🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.