🔗 Share this article Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said. She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The group of women also included leaders in different industries. The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.