115 Secret Capsule (Sally Ride)

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Who was Sally Ride?

Sally Ride (May 26, 1951 – July 23, 2012) was an American physicist, astronaut, and trailblazer who became the first American woman in space. A role model in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Ride broke barriers and inspired generations with her achievements in both space exploration and education.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Ride studied physics and English at Stanford University, where she went on to earn a Ph.D. in physics in 1978. That same year, she was selected by NASA as one of the first six women in the astronaut program. On June 18, 1983, Ride made history aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger during the STS-7 mission, becoming the first American woman—and, at the time, the youngest American—in space.

Ride flew on a second shuttle mission in 1984 and was later appointed to serve on the investigation boards for both the Challenger and Columbia disasters, making her the only person to participate in both inquiries. After retiring from NASA, she became a professor and founded Sally Ride Science, a company dedicated to promoting STEM education for girls and young women.

Throughout her life, Ride kept her personal life private, and after her death, it was revealed that she had been in a long-term same-sex relationship, making her the first known LGBTQ+ astronaut.

Sally Ride passed away in 2012 from pancreatic cancer. Her legacy endures as a pioneering astronaut, physicist, and advocate for science education and gender equality in STEM fields.