On February 7, at the headquarters of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lieutenant General and People’s Armed Forces Hero Pham Tuan welcomed Amanda Nguyen - the first Vietnamese-American woman to fly into space - in a heartfelt and symbolic meeting.

In 2025, Amanda Nguyen flew aboard the New Shepard spacecraft, which carried a crew of six exceptional women into space. The mission successfully reached 100 km above Earth and returned safely. Her flight made Amanda Nguyen the first woman of Vietnamese descent to journey into space.

Vietnam’s Ambassador to the United States witnessed the launch and personally delivered a congratulatory letter from President Luong Cuong. Later that year, under the witness of Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Amanda Nguyen returned to Vietnam and handed over a set of lotus seeds to the Vietnam Space Center - seeds she had carried into orbit as part of a scientific experiment.

Two generations, one shared pride

Today’s meeting between Amanda Nguyen and General Pham Tuan - Vietnam’s first astronaut - was marked by deep respect and inspiration.

Deputy Head of the Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, Ambassador Pham Thi Kim Hoa, emphasized the historic nature of this encounter: one that connects the trailblazers of the past with today’s innovators, inspiring new generations of Vietnamese everywhere.

Amanda Nguyen spoke emotionally about returning to Vietnam and shared the story behind her space mission and the symbolic lotus seeds she carried with her. She also recalled the joy of receiving a letter from the President of Vietnam and reflected on the responsibility of representing the country in space.

Citing General Pham Tuan’s famous remark, “From space, you don’t see Vietnam or Russia - you see Earth,” Amanda Nguyen offered her own reflection:

“Science and technology allow us to see that we’re all part of one planet - a single pale blue dot in the vastness of space. From orbit, there are no borders, no divisions - just humanity sharing the same responsibility to protect our world.”

She emphasized that science is a universal language - one that fosters dialogue, collaboration, and healing across cultures and nations.

Memories of a space pioneer

Lieutenant General Pham Tuan, now 76, reminisced about his historic 1980 spaceflight, recounting his journey from fighter pilot during the war to astronaut. He recalled the rigorous training and high-risk moments of the mission, highlighting the courage, calm, and discipline required to survive space travel.

He urged today’s youth to understand themselves clearly and choose paths aligned with their strengths. In the age of artificial intelligence, he said, creativity is more vital than ever - and will be the key for individuals and nations to carve out their futures.

Quoting President Ho Chi Minh’s message to the youth - “As Vietnamese, we must uphold our traditions and fulfill our missions” - Pham Tuan encouraged young people to carry forward their national heritage with pride and purpose.

A symbolic exchange

During the meeting, Amanda Nguyen presented Pham Tuan with the flight patch she wore during her New Shepard mission. In return, the general gifted her a commemorative book chronicling his historic spaceflight.

Their meeting served not only as a powerful moment of recognition between two pioneering figures - but also as a resounding message: regardless of time or generation, with determination, preparation, and pride, Vietnamese people can reach the stars.

Tran Thuong