🔗 Share this article Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated 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,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated 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,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.