There will be a Vietnamese lotus tree standing firm in the digital age.

Special luggage of female astronaut Amanda Nguyen

Although it was a normal flight into space, this flight of the New Shepard spacecraft from the launch site in Van Horn town, Texas, USA was very special because it carried an American astronaut of Vietnamese origin - Amanda Nguyen, 34 years old.

Another special feature is that in astronaut Amanda Nguyen's luggage are 169 lotus seeds (nelumbo nucifera) provided by the Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and selected by the Center for Research and Development of Flowers and Ornamental Plants (Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences).

Vietnamese lotus - symbol of traditional culture, of vitality and development. Illustrative photo.

These lotus seeds are destined to open up research on the effects of space on growth, contributing to plant science and space exploration.

If the lotus flower is a symbol of purity and strong vitality in traditional Vietnamese culture, now it brings a new image of vitality of development and creativity for Vietnam on the heights of a new era.

Astronaut Amanda Nguyen brought Vietnamese lotus seeds on her journey to explore space, not only as a personal mark but also as a profound symbol, connecting traditional Vietnamese culture with the future of humanity in space.

Nurturing growth from the high reaches of the universe

The future Vietnamese lotus plants that followed female astronaut Amanda Nguyen into space remind many people of the Vietnamese water fern flowers that accompanied astronaut Pham Tuan into space on the Soyuz-37 spacecraft in July 1980.

This event once again shows that there is always a convergence between tradition and modernity. The lotus seed – a symbol of a thousand years was brought into space, a symbol of advanced technology, expressing the desire for harmony between cultural roots and innovation.

This is not only a scientific event but also a profound symbol of culture, hope and connection between peoples. It is a testament to the Vietnamese spirit reaching out to the world, carrying traditional values ​​and the aspiration to conquer new horizons.

This can be seen in Amanda Nguyen's words right before the flight: "I carry the seeds of my homeland to sow the Vietnamese dream under the starry sky ."

Each lotus seed on this flight is a "seed" of Vietnam's aspiration to rise up, not only reaching out to the world but also reaching the limits of knowledge, space, and science.

What is it if not a visual and emotional image of bringing cultural identity together with innovative scientific thinking.

Going further and higher than a cultural symbol, the fact that 169 Vietnamese lotus seeds were brought into space is also a strong reminder that science and technology need to become a key driving force for national development, as determined in the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.

Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW clearly states: “Developing science, technology and innovation is the key driving force for rapid and sustainable national development.”

From that political will to the reality of life, strong symbols are always needed and 169 Vietnamese lotus seeds flying into space are such a symbol.

As we know, the story of science does not stop at the laboratory and books, but also needs to become a part of the belief and national ideal. That is also what Resolution 57-NQ/TW affirms, bringing Science and technology become a direct productive force, putting Vietnam on the path of sustainable development, independence and self-reliance.

From the luggage of a female astronaut of Vietnamese origin and from a small seed, a vision of a Vietnam mastering the future with its own endogenous strength and scientific spirit emerged.

The journey of Vietnamese lotus seeds into space is not only a scientific event but also an inspiration for the great potential of the nation when it knows how to combine traditional strength with innovative thinking, knows how to promote internal strength, in line with the spirit and vision of Resolution 57-NQ/TW when considering science and technology as the key for Vietnam to reach out to the ocean.

In 2025, when Vietnam and the United States celebrate the 30th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations, this event builds another bridge connecting the two countries with a common aspiration to sow the seeds of dreams to reach the vast universe.

Quang Loc

Source: https://congthuong.vn/se-co-cay-sen-viet-nam-vung-vang-trong-ky-nguyen-so-382992.html