Sally Ride
- A Girl Like You Project
- Jun 4, 2023
- 1 min read
Photo: Getty Images
Sally Ride, born in 1951, became the first American women to go to space. At Stanford University, she earned a degree in physics. Her interest in physics led to her applying for NASA's astronaut program. She was one of six women picked for the job.
On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride went to space on a space shuttle mission. Her job in this mission was to operate the robotic arm, that helped put satellites into space. A year later on October 5, 1984, Ride went on another shuttle mission. On this mission she conducted scientific observations of Earth and researched refueling techniques.
In addition to her time as an astronaut, Ride was also the Director of the California Space Science Institute, a physics professor at the University of California San Diego, and a member of the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology.
Ride founded Sally Ride Science, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging children of different backgrounds to take STEM. Additionally, Ride wrote several children's books with space odyssey themes. Posthumously, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor for her legacy in inspiring young people to reach for the stars.
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