🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “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 Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “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 Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.