Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel into space, died Monday after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer, according to news reports.
Ride, who first rocketed into space on Challenger’s STS-7 mission with four male crewmates on June 18, 1983, was a trailblaizer, hero and powerful role model.
According to NASA, Ride’s contribution to America’s space program continued right up until her death at age 61. Afer two trips to orbit aboard the shuttle, she went on an award-winning academic career at the University of California, San Diego, where her expertise and wisdom were widely sought on matters related to space. She holds the distinction of being the only person to serve as a member of both investigation boards following NASA’s two space shuttle accidents. She also served as a member of the Review of U.S. Human Spaceflight Plans Committee, also known as the Augustine Committee, in 2009, which informed many of the decisions about NASA’s current human spaceflight programs.
President Barack Obama issued the following statement on the passing of Ride:
Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sally Ride. As the first American woman to travel into space, Sally was a national hero and a powerful role model. She inspired generations of young girls to reach for the stars and later fought tirelessly to help them get there by advocating for a greater focus on science and math in our schools. Sally’s life showed us that there are no limits to what we can achieve and I have no doubt that her legacy will endure for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sally’s family and friends.
