đ Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist â known as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI explained the depression could persist for a long time,â the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. âStuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,â she confessed. âA month later⊠I had to hang up⊠because I could not speak through my tears.â Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts â from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots â was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the âfog of grief has started to liftâ, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. âYou all saved me,â she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the KĂĄrmĂĄn line of space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist â known as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI explained the depression could persist for a long time,â the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. âStuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,â she confessed. âA month later⊠I had to hang up⊠because I could not speak through my tears.â Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts â from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots â was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the âfog of grief has started to liftâ, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. âYou all saved me,â she wrote. She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the KĂĄrmĂĄn line of space. The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.