Space KSC: Space Loses Sally Ride

Monday, July 23, 2012

Space Loses Sally Ride

Click the arrow to watch a 1980 interview with Dr. Sally Ride. Three years later, she would become the first American woman in space.

The space world lost Sally Ride today. She passed away at age 61 from pancreatic cancer.

For most of us, she will be remembered as the first U.S. woman to fly into space. That was aboard STS-7 in June 1983.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Deputy Administrator Lori Garver offered their thoughts on Sally Ride's passing.

"Sally Ride broke barriers with grace and professionalism – and literally changed the face of America’s space program," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "The nation has lost one of its finest leaders, teachers and explorers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sally's family and the many she inspired. She will be missed, but her star will always shine brightly."

“Sally was a personal and professional role model to me and thousands of women around the world,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver. “Her spirit and determination will continue to be an inspiration for women everywhere.”

In 2001, she founded Sally Ride Science to develop and provide classroom materials, programs and professional development opportunities for educators. Below is a promotional video posted in September 2011 by Sally Ride Science.

Click the arrow to watch the Sally Ride Science promotional video.

UPDATE July 24, 2012 — Ride was a member of the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee, commonly known as the Augustine Committee. The committee's report was the foundation for the Obama Administration's decision to propose cancellation of the Constellation program and replace it with today's approach to fully exploit the International Space Station by access with commercial cargo and crew vehicles.

Ride delivered the report titled, "Scenario Affordability Analysis" which concluded that NASA's current course with Constellation was not sustainable. You can watch her report below.