🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The venture behind the flight 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 Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures. The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote. She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.