28 Great Sally Ride Fun Facts

Who Was Sally Ride?

Sally Ride was a trailblazing American astronaut and physicist who made history on June 18, 1983, when she became the first American woman to travel into space. Born on May 26, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, Ride's fascination with science and space exploration led her to a career that broke barriers and inspired generations. Her journey into space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on the STS-7 mission marked a significant milestone in the history of space exploration and women's participation in STEM fields.

Early Life and Education

1. Sally Ride's interest in science was evident from an early age, but she also had a passion for tennis and even considered pursuing it professionally before focusing on physics.
2. She attended Stanford University, where she earned both her bachelor's degrees in English and physics in 1973. Ride continued her studies at Stanford, obtaining a master's degree in 1975 and a Ph.D. in physics in 1978.

Joining NASA

3. In 1978, Sally Ride was selected as part of NASA's first class of female astronauts, a group that included five other women. This selection came after NASA lifted its ban on female astronauts.
4. Her selection was out of over 8,000 applicants, highlighting her exceptional skills and the competitive nature of the astronaut selection process.

Historic Spaceflight

5. On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space as a crew member on Space Shuttle Challenger for STS-7. This mission made her a symbol of progress for women in science and technology.
6. During the mission, she operated the shuttle's robotic arm, which was used to deploy and retrieve a satellite, showcasing her technical expertise and contributing to the mission's success.

Post-NASA Career

7. After retiring from NASA in 1987, Sally Ride became a professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego. She was dedicated to education and encouraging young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in science.
8. Ride co-founded Sally Ride Science in 2001, a company focused on creating engaging content and programs for students in STEM, particularly emphasizing the importance of female participation in these fields.

Legacy and Honors

9. Sally Ride's contributions to space exploration and science education have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded posthumously in 2013.
10. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and the Astronaut Hall of Fame, reflecting her lasting impact on both space exploration and the advancement of women in STEM.

Personal Life and Passing

11. Sally Ride's personal life remained private until her passing. After her death in 2012, it was revealed that she had been in a long-term relationship with Tam O'Shaughnessy, a professor and childhood friend, making Ride the first known LGBTQ+ astronaut.
12. Ride passed away on July 23, 2012, after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence the fields of space exploration and science education.

Sally Ride's Impact on Space Exploration

13. Sally Ride's historic spaceflight broke gender barriers in NASA and proved that space was for everyone, regardless of gender. Her achievements opened doors for countless women in the aerospace industry and beyond.
14. Ride's work post-NASA, particularly in education, helped to ensure that future generations would continue to pursue careers in STEM, securing her place as a pivotal figure in both space history and science education.

Fun Facts Beyond the Space Suit

15. Sally Ride had a fondness for classical music and was an accomplished pianist.
16. She was known for her calm and collected demeanor, which was especially valuable during high-pressure situations in space missions.
17. Ride was a prolific writer, co-authoring several books aimed at encouraging children to study science.
18. Her favorite snack in space was peanut M&Ms, a small detail that humanizes the icon and connects her to the everyday experiences of people.
19. Despite her historic achievements, Ride remained humble and focused on her work rather than seeking fame.
20. Sally Ride's favorite school subject was not physics or math, but English, showcasing her diverse interests and talents.

Sally Ride's Enduring Influence

21. Sally Ride's influence extends beyond her space missions; she is a symbol of perseverance and dedication to science and education.
22. Her efforts to reduce gender disparities in STEM have paved the way for future generations of women in science, making her a role model for young girls worldwide.
23. The Sally Ride EarthKAM project allows middle school students to take pictures of Earth from space, continuing her legacy of involving young people in science and exploration.
24. Ride's story is taught in schools across the United States, ensuring that her contributions to space exploration and science education are remembered and celebrated.

Remembering Sally Ride

25. Sally Ride's name has been immortalized in various ways, including having schools and space-related facilities named after her.
26. A U.S. Navy research vessel and a moon crater have also been named in her honor, signifying her vast impact on science and exploration.
27. Google celebrated what would have been her 64th birthday with a special Google Doodle, highlighting her significance in American history and culture.
28. Annual Sally Ride Science Festivals continue to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers, keeping her vision alive.

A Final Orbit Around Sally Ride's Legacy

Sally Ride's journey through space and time leaves us with a legacy that's as vast as the universe she explored. Her achievements broke barriers and set new horizons for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Ride's passion for education, her advocacy for science literacy, and her role as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ scientists continue to inspire generations. She showed us that the sky's not the limit; it's just the beginning. Through her life's work, Ride challenged stereotypes, changed perceptions, and opened doors for those who dream of reaching for the stars. Remembering her contributions, we're reminded of the power of curiosity, the importance of perseverance, and the impact of daring to be the first. Sally Ride's story isn't just about a journey to space; it's about the journey of humanity towards a brighter, more inclusive future.