🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures. The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing. 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability. Finding Solid Ground Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the edge of space. The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.