🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.