🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “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 focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “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 focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.