🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip 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 emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
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 emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.