🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks. She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space. The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.