🔗 Share this article Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates. The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact. Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight. She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. The Fog Begins to Lift Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed. She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The diverse crew also included experts in various fields. The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.