handling sexual assault evidence across all member countries. As a result of this work, Amanda was nominated for a 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for her “unprecedented efforts in bringing equal protection under the law and basic human rights to all survivors of sexual assault, regardless of geography.” At one pivotal moment in time, Amanda made the decision to trade her telescope for a pen to draft laws protecting sexual assault survivors, but she never lost sight of those earlier aspirations of going to space. "In this moment, I just want all survivors to know — you can heal,” Amanda shared emotionally in a live post-fight interview with Reuters after returning safely to earth. “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.” This flight marked Blue Origin’s 11th human spaceflight for its New Shepherd program, which includes a fully reusable, suborbital rocket system. Amanda was one of six women aboard this historic all-female astronaut crew. The women aboard this flight were encouraged to bring a zero-G indicator, meaning an object of significance to show microgravity in action by floating around the capsule.
Amanda chose two.
The first was her hospital wristband from the day she underwent a rape kit examination after her assault. The second was a note she had written to herself years earlier, promising that if she ever paused her dream of becoming an astronaut to fight for civil rights, she would “one day … return to her.”
On April 14, 2025, she did.
Amanda, a bioastronautics research scientist, also brought several in-orbit experiments to conduct during the historic all-female spaceflight. One project involved testing new materials for wound dressings in microgravity, with a focus on how they absorb fluids. The implications are significant: advancements in absorption technology could pave the way for space-friendly menstrual products like tampons or sanitary pads, helping to protect and support women’s health on long- duration missions. This was especially fitting as Amanda’s mission was the first spaceflight in 60 years with no man on board the spacecraft. "Historically, NASA barred women from becoming astronauts, and one of the reasons they cited the most was menstruation," Amanda told The Guardian in a recent interview. "That's why I’m doing it." This historic event resulted in Amanda becoming many “firsts” — a member of the first all-female space crew, the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman to make this journey and the first Alpha Phi to go to space. To represent the role that her Alpha Phi sisters have played in her life and the support they have given her on her journey to space, Amanda took her Alpha Phi bid card with her on her mission. “It feels so surreal being the first Alpha Phi going to space. I am so grateful, and I’m so proud because I wouldn’t have gotten here without my sisters.” Amanda continues to embody the values of leadership, innovation and sisterhood. From championing human rights to spaceflight, she continues to break barriers and inspire women everywhere. Her journey is a powerful reminder that Alpha Phis are truly limitless.
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