🔗 Share this article Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures. The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight. She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks. She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote. She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. About the Mission The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space. The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.