🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 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 landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 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 landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers. The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight. She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.