Amanda Nguyen Makes History As First Vietnamese Woman To Travel To Space

On April 15, Tuesday, bioastronautics researcher and civil rights activist, Amanda Nguyen, became the first Vietnamese woman to go to space, joining Blue Origin’s all-women crew for a flight that lasted a total of 10 minutes and 21 seconds. She was joined by pop star Katy Perry, Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez, Gayle King, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe and film producer Kerianne Flynn. While the milestone was historic, the mission was met with backlash, with figures like Olivia Munn calling it “gluttonous” and out of touch.

At 32 years old, Amanda Nguyen made history as the first female Vietnamese astronaut to venture beyond Earth's atmosphere. During the mission, Nguyen conducted two science experiments, one in partnership with the Vietnamese National Space Center and one focused on female health. Yet, her path to the stars has been anything but ordinary. After surviving a traumatic assault during her time at Harvard University, Nguyen's dreams of exploring the cosmos were momentarily stopped by the harsh reality of injustice.

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Survivor Who Pushed Congress to Pass Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights

However, Nguyen's traumatic experience ignited a fiery determination within her to seek justice not only for herself but also for countless others facing similar struggles. Her advocacy work led to the creation of the Sexual Assault Survivors Rights Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights of survivors and revolutionizing the way sexual assault cases are handled in the United States. 

The passage of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Rights Act marked a crucial moment in Amanda Nguyen's journey, to kickstart positive change in the face of adversity. By championing legislative reforms and advocating for the rights of survivors, Nguyen has emerged as a powerful voice for justice and equality.

A Journey Beyond Earth 

As Amanda Nguyen prepares to embark on her historic journey to space, her story serves as an inspiration for the transformative power of advocacy. Through her groundbreaking achievements, Nguyen not only shatters stereotypes but also inspires a new generation of dreamers and achievers, proving that no obstacle is insurmountable in the pursuit of one's dreams. 

In her own words, Amanda Nguyen reminds us that while she may be the first, she will certainly not be the last to defy expectations and reach for the stars. As she blazes a trail through the cosmos, her legacy will continue to inspire and empower generations to come, ensuring that her journey is not merely a solitary achievement but a catalyst for lasting change and progress.