🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge 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 Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn 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 earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched 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 Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn 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 earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.