Sally Ride, NASA Astronaut and First American Woman in Space Dies at 61

In a press release on Monday, NASA offered its condolences after the announcement of the death of Hall of Fame Astronaut Sally K Ride. Ride, who died at the age of 61 on Monday from pancreatic cancer, had made history during her career as a Space Shuttle astronaut becoming the first American female astronaut in space.

Ride was a physicist by education before joining the NASA astronaut corps. On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride broke the gender barrier when she rode to orbit with her team aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger during mission STS-7.

“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.”

Sally Ride made two trips into Earth orbit aboard the Space Shuttle. After NASA, Ride reportedly 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. Ride served on the investigative boards which investigated both of NASA’s Space Shuttle accidents.

Sally Ride is survived by her partner of 27 years, Tam O’Shaughnessy, her mother, Joyce; her sister, Bear; her niece, Caitlin, and nephew, Whitney.