🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment 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 struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established 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 struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. A Path to Recovery Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.