Born: 1951 (Los Angeles, California)
Died: 2012
Biography:
Sally Kristen Ride (May 26, 1951 – July 23, 2012) was an American astronaut and physicist who made significant contributions to space exploration and women’s history. Born in Los Angeles, California, she paved the way for future generations of women in the field of science and became a prominent figure in NASA’s space program.
Ride’s journey into space began when she joined NASA in 1978. She was selected as a mission specialist astronaut with NASA Astronaut Group 8, which was the first class of NASA astronauts to include women. Ride’s exceptional academic background played a pivotal role in her selection. She graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature in 1973. She went on to earn a Master of Science degree in physics in 1975 and a Doctor of Philosophy in physics in 1978 for her research on the interaction of X-rays with the interstellar medium.
After completing her training, Ride served as the ground-based capsule communicator (CapCom) for the second and third Space Shuttle flights. She also played a crucial role in the development of the Space Shuttle’s robotic arm. In June 1983, Ride made history by becoming the first American woman to fly in space. She flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on the STS-7 mission, deploying two communications satellites and the first Shuttle pallet satellite (SPAS-1). Ride operated the robotic arm to deploy and retrieve SPAS-1, showcasing her skills and contribution to the mission’s success. At the age of 32, she was also the youngest American astronaut to have flown in space at that time.
Ride’s second space flight came in 1984, once again on board the Space Shuttle Challenger for the STS-41-G mission. Throughout her career, she spent a total of more than 343 hours in space, further solidifying her place in history as a trailblazing astronaut. In addition to her significant space missions, Ride also served on the committees that investigated the tragic losses of the Space Shuttle Challenger and the Space Shuttle Columbia, making her the only person to participate in both investigations.
After leaving NASA in 1987, Ride continued to make valuable contributions to various scientific endeavors. She worked at Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Arms Control for two years, focusing on research in nonlinear optics and Thomson scattering. She later joined the University of California, San Diego, where she continued her research and made significant contributions to the scientific community.
Beyond her groundbreaking work in space exploration and physics, Ride’s personal life was also an inspiration. Ride was married to fellow astronaut Steven Hawley during her spaceflight years, and she was in a private, long-term relationship with former Women’s Tennis Association player Tam O’Shaughnessy. As the first known LGBT astronaut, Ride’s personal life showcased her diversity and the importance of inclusivity in all fields.
Sally Ride’s contributions to space exploration and her lasting impact on women’s history cannot be overstated. She broke barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and opened doors for countless women in the fields of science and space. Her dedication, intelligence, and passion continue to inspire generations to pursue their dreams and push the boundaries of human knowledge.
Awards:
– NASA Space Flight Medal (1983, 1984)
– National Space Society’s von Braun Award (1984)
– NCAA’s Theodore Roosevelt Award (1993)
– Women in Aerospace’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2007)
– National Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee (2009)
– Presidential Medal of Freedom (awarded posthumously in 2013)
– California Hall of Fame Inductee (2017)