🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision 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 eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described 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 dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured leaders in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers. The high-profile flight was met with derision 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 eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey. She described 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 dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. A Path to Recovery Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also featured leaders in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.