đ Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression After Deluge of Backlash 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 spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a âtsunami of harassmentâ in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist â recognized as a researcher and activist â was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI said the emotional pain might endure for years,â she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. âFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,â she wrote. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for â from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots â was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. âYou all saved me,â she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a âtsunami of harassmentâ in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist â recognized as a researcher and activist â was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an âavalanche of misogynyâ. âI said the emotional pain might endure for years,â she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault. âFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,â she wrote. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for â from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots â was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. âYou all saved me,â she wrote. She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also comprised experts in various fields. The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.