🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey. She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed. She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space. The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.