Two Vietnamese space pioneers meet, linking generations through science, peace and pride

THE HANOI TIMES — The meeting between Lieutenant General Pham Tuan and Vietnamese-American astronaut Amanda Nguyen went beyond a cultural exchange under the Homeland Spring 2026, uniting two generations of Vietnamese through a shared journey into space.

Pham Tuan flew into space on July 23, 1980 aboard the Soyuz-37 spacecraft under the Soviet Interkosmos program, becoming the first Vietnamese and Asian to travel into space.

After 45 years, in April 2025, Amanda Nguyen flew into space with five other female astronauts aboard the New Shepard spacecraft, becoming the first Vietnamese-American woman astronaut to make a spaceflight.

Pham Tuan recalled his historic mission with emotion, reflecting on his journey from a wartime combat pilot to an astronaut now able to engage openly with international friends in a spirit of peace and development.

He said the meeting brought deep personal fulfillment, as individual milestones gained meaning within the broader narrative of the nation and its people.

Quoting President Ho Chi Minh’s guidance urging youth to uphold national traditions and fulfill their duties with excellence, Pham Tuan described the intense training and dangerous moments of his mission, emphasizing courage, discipline and composure as essential qualities for pilots and astronauts.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent diplomatic stance of setting aside the past and expanding international cooperation to build a stronger and more prosperous country.

Watching footage of Amanda Nguyen’s spaceflight, Pham Tuan said he felt proud to see a woman of Vietnamese heritage continue the journey of space exploration.

He said her achievement reflects the enduring bond of Vietnamese people worldwide with their homeland, regardless of where they live.

Addressing young people, Pham Tuan stressed the importance of understanding one’s abilities, choosing the right path and embracing creativity in the era of artificial intelligence as a key to shaping individual and national futures.

Amanda Nguyen said she felt deeply moved to return to Vietnam and shared stories from her mission, including carrying lotus seeds from the Vietnam National Space Center into orbit for scientific experiments and receiving a congratulatory letter from Vietnam’s President.

She said she was touched to learn that Pham Tuan sat with US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper to follow her journey into space.

She described the moment as symbolic, highlighting the connection between generations of Vietnamese people in the shared pursuit of space exploration.

Nguyen expressed deep gratitude to Pham Tuan, who placed Vietnam’s first mark on the global aerospace map and paved the way for later generations.

Quoting Pham Tuan’s words that from space the homeland is Earth rather than any single nation, Nguyen said science and technology allow humanity to gain a broader and more unified perspective.

She added that during a rare personal moment in orbit, she asked permission to greet Vietnam from space, calling it a message to the homeland she always carries with her.

Amanda Nguyen said science and technology serve as a universal language that fosters dialogue, cooperation and reconciliation among nations.

Viewed from space, earth appears as a pale blue dot in a vast universe, a shared home without borders where humanity bears collective responsibility for protecting the planet and shaping a common future, she said.

Amanda Nguyen said she once worried about returning to Vietnam but now shares a message with young people that passion and readiness to contribute matter more than background or place of residence in science.

At the event, Amanda Nguyen presented Pham Tuan with the mission insignia from her spaceflight, while he gave her a commemorative book documenting his historic journey, symbolizing continuity between generations.

The meeting between two generations, one shaped by war and the other advancing in an era of science and peace, sent a clear message that with determination, preparation and national pride, Vietnamese people can contribute meaningfully to humanity.

Pham Thi Kim Hoa, Vice Chairwoman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, described the meeting as a rare moment linking pioneers with today’s youth.

She expressed hope that young Vietnamese worldwide will retain their love for the homeland, pursue knowledge and remain ready to contribute through creative, flexible and practical ways.