On April 14, 2025, Amanda Nguyen made history as the first Vietnamese woman to travel to space, marking a profound milestone in both aerospace and civil rights history. As part of Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission, the event was equally historic for being the first all-female crewed spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963. Nguyen’s journey aboard the New Shepard rocket was not only a technological feat but a deeply symbolic act of resilience, activism, and empowerment.
A Personal Victory Born from Adversity
Amanda Nguyen’s spaceflight was the culmination of a long and personal journey. Born in California to Vietnamese immigrant parents, Amanda’s life has been shaped by determination and activism. She studied political science and astrophysics at Harvard University, demonstrating an early interest in both governance and space science. However, it was a life-altering event during college that redirected her life’s mission.
While a student at Harvard, Amanda was sexually assaulted, and her struggle to find justice through a flawed legal system revealed the deep gaps in survivor protections. This experience motivated her to launch a national campaign for survivors’ rights. She went on to found Rise, a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Space as a Symbol of Healing and Hope
Amanda’s spaceflight represented far more than just a personal achievement—it was a tribute to healing and survival. During the flight, she carried with her a hospital band from her recovery after her assault and a powerful handwritten note: “Never, never, never give up.” This note, written in the aftermath of her trauma, became a vow to herself—and, later, to millions of survivors worldwide—that healing and hope are possible.
In a post-flight interview, Amanda reflected on this transformative moment, saying, “I ended up bringing it. I got to honor her today,” referencing her past self. She added a message of hope for others: “I just want all survivors to know: You can heal. No dream is too wild, and if it’s so wild and out there—like going to space—you can absolutely make it through, and it can absolutely be possible.”
Pioneering Activist and Global Change-Maker
Amanda Nguyen is not just an astronaut—she is one of the most influential human rights activists of her generation. Through her leadership at Rise, she was instrumental in drafting and passing the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act, which was signed into U.S. law in 2016. The legislation ensures better treatment and legal recourse for survivors nationwide and is now considered a model for global reform.
Her work has not gone unnoticed. Amanda was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, named one of Time’s Women of the Year in 2022, and featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers. Her life’s mission has consistently blended advocacy, science, and resilience—a unique combination that made her selection for the NS-31 mission particularly meaningful.
The NS-31 Mission: A Historic All-Female Crew
The NS-31 mission represented a breakthrough moment for gender representation in space exploration. Organized by Blue Origin, a private space company founded by Jeff Bezos, the mission highlighted a commitment to advancing inclusive participation in space science. The six-member crew featured accomplished women from diverse backgrounds, including:
- Amanda Nguyen, civil rights activist and space researcher
- Aisha Bowe, aerospace engineer and entrepreneur
- Kerianne Flynn, film producer and creative executive
- Katy Perry, global pop singer and social activist
- Lauren Sánchez, journalist and media executive
- Gayle King, acclaimed American TV host
The flight aboard the New Shepard rocket lasted approximately 11 minutes, reaching the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. Though short in duration, the mission’s impact on cultural, gender, and historical narratives is significant.
A Blueprint for the Future of Space Exploration
Amanda Nguyen’s presence on NS-31 is particularly notable for its connection to bioastronautics—a field she has actively engaged with during her time as a Director’s Fellow at the MIT Media Lab from 2018 to 2020. Her scientific background and interest in space life sciences make her uniquely qualified to be a part of emerging conversations around human space travel, diversity in STEM, and interplanetary health.
Her flight isn’t just a ceremonial milestone; it’s a step forward in redefining who gets to be part of space exploration. It signals that representation in space is no longer limited to traditional astronaut profiles but includes voices rooted in activism, science, and lived experience.
Continuing the Mission on Earth
Amanda’s flight was a defining moment, but her advocacy continues. Through Rise and her continued public speaking, she champions legislation, mental health resources, and international protections for marginalized communities. Her message is clear: personal trauma does not define one’s potential, and space is not the limit—it’s the beginning.
Her journey has already inspired a generation of women, immigrants, and survivors to think bigger. From courtroom advocacy to cosmic exploration, Amanda Nguyen is expanding the definition of leadership in the modern world.
Conclusion
Amanda Nguyen’s spaceflight aboard Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission represents a convergence of science, activism, and identity. As the first Vietnamese woman in space and a survivor-turned-advocate, she has redefined what it means to reach for the stars. Her historic flight will not only be remembered as a technical achievement, but as a beacon of resilience, diversity, and the boundless possibilities of healing and hope.
