Blue Origin's NS-31 mission launches with the first all-female crew. Amanda Nguyen becomes the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman to travel to space.
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| Amanda Nguyen’s journey aboard Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission, backed by Space for Humanity, highlights a powerful blend of activism, diversity, and space exploration. Image: Space for Humanity |
Van Horn, USA — April 15, 2025:
Blue Origin’s successful launch and landing of its NS-31 mission today made history, sending the first all-female crew to the edge of space. Among the six crew members was Amanda Nguyen, a renowned civil rights activist, who became the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman to journey to space.
Nguyen, partially sponsored by the nonprofit Space for Humanity, joined a diverse and high-profile crew that included Aisha Bowe, Gayle King, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez. The NS-31 mission not only marked a milestone in gender representation in spaceflight but also celebrated the achievements of women who are using their influence to shape a better world.
“I want you to know that your dream can come true,” Nguyen said upon landing. “I want all survivors, or anyone who has ever had a dream deferred to know—you will make it through.”
Nguyen, founder of the organization Rise, has spent years fighting for survivors of sexual assault, successfully pushing legislation across multiple levels of government. Her journey to space symbolizes the realization of a dream once set aside for the greater good—a dream now rekindled through determination, service, and community support.
“Amanda was on the path to space but paused her ambitions to fight for others,” said Antonio Peronace, Executive Director of Space for Humanity. “Now, with our support, she’s fulfilled her dream. Amanda inspires millions to believe they, too, can reach for the stars.”
Peronace continued: “Her real journey began long before today—spanning courts, parliaments, and global movements. Amanda has rewritten laws and inspired hearts. Sending her to space was not just symbolic—it was essential. She embodies the mission of Space for Humanity.”
Space for Humanity is a globally recognized nonprofit focused on democratizing access to space through its Citizen Astronaut Program. It selects leaders who can experience the “Overview Effect”—the powerful cognitive shift astronauts experience when viewing Earth from space—and return to serve as global ambassadors for change.
Today’s NS-31 mission highlighted not only technical excellence but also humanity’s evolving understanding of leadership, courage, and hope. For Amanda Nguyen, the voyage to the edge of space became another platform from which she can inspire, advocate, and lead others toward a brighter future.