Ellen Ripley
She was 10 years old when Ellen Ripley goes off into space aboard the "Nostromo". According to the expanded universe novel "", her father abandoned them, when Amanda was only 3 years old. According to the novelization of "Aliens", Amanda's parents drifted apart and separated; with Ripley gaining custody. Before setting off on the "Nostromo", and before the events of "Alien", Ellen had promised Amanda that she would be back home in time for her 11th birthday.