đ Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist â recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. âI said the emotional pain might endure for years,â she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an âonslaught no human brain has evolved to endureâ. âFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,â she wrote. âEven a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.â Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts â including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background â was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. âYour support rescued me,â she said. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the KĂĄrmĂĄn line of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist â recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate â was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. âI said the emotional pain might endure for years,â she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an âonslaught no human brain has evolved to endureâ. âFor a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,â she wrote. âEven a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.â Buried Under Misogyny The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts â including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background â was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks. She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. âYour support rescued me,â she said. She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the KĂĄrmĂĄn line of space. The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.