Amanda Nguyen – a name that marks a historical milestone as the first Vietnamese woman to travel into space with singer Katy Perry. In addition, she also brought 169 lotus seeds – the symbol of Vietnam, along with the words “Hello Vietnam.” Not only is she a human rights activist, but Amanda is also a symbol of resilience, intellect, and compassion in the modern world.
From the seabed to the high sky
Amanda Nguyen grew up with the memories of her parents’ journey across the harsh seas to seek freedom. With roots from Bac Lieu, she never forgets what her mother once said: “I crossed the ocean so you could touch the sky.” It was not just a piece of encouragement, but a compass that guided her life.
While children her age dreamed of becoming artists or doctors, Amanda was captivated by the stars. She chose Harvard, later interned at NASA, and worked at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. For Amanda, science is not just about research, but a bridge that brings marginalized communities closer to the world – even beyond Earth.
When stars align
The “StarHarmony” program by SpaceX announced a historic mission: a space flight with no male crew members – the first time in 60 years. Katy Perry, as the representative artist, was given the power to choose a science companion. Without hesitation, she chose Amanda Nguyen, after watching a TED Talk on human rights and science in Vietnam.
There was an unexpected harmony between them: one is a pop music icon, the other is an activist for justice and science. Their handshake not only created a global media sensation but also affirmed: women can be beautiful, strong, emotional, and rational – and together, they can write a new chapter for humanity in the universe.
Blossoming lotuses in orbit
In her luggage aboard the New Shepard spacecraft, Amanda brought something truly special: 169 lotus seeds. Not only are they a national symbol of Vietnam, but the lotus is also a flower of rebirth, purity, and resilience – qualities she believes are essential for a journey that paves the way for the future.
During the 11-minute flight, with 4 minutes of weightlessness at an altitude of over 100 km – the edge of space according to the International Aeronautical Federation – one of the most emotional moments occurred when Amanda Nguyen said, “Hello Vietnam.” On board, Amanda carried a special item to mark the moment of entering weightlessness – a piece of paper with a promise to herself: if she ever had to put her astronaut dream aside to fight for justice, “one day, I will return.”
A heart behind the skies
When the New Shepard spacecraft safely landed, Amanda did not return with awards or media spotlight, but chose to begin a new journey: sharing her story to inspire others. She was invited to speak at TED Global, the United Nations, and STEM conferences around the world, but what brought her the greatest joy were the handwritten letters from Vietnamese students that read: “You are the reason I started loving physics.”
Not only recognized for her social efforts, Amanda has also become a cultural icon praised by international media. The Guardian called her “the person who turned personal grief into a global movement”, while InStyle described her as “the humanitarian warrior of the modern age”. Amanda founded the “Vietnam Mars Camp” – a summer camp simulating a journey to Mars for Vietnamese youth. In her eyes, the universe is not meant to be explored solely for oneself, but to open the door for those who once thought they were not qualified to dream. And as she wrote in her memoir “Flying High with Katy Perry”: “I am the first Vietnamese woman to travel into space – but I certainly will not be the last.”
Fiona | Cameron Truong
