🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy 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. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy 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. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders. Flight Details The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space. The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries. The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.