Sally Kristen Ride, who defied the discrimination of gender almost 30 years ago and became the first American woman astronaut to 'ride' into space, died on Monday after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 61.
"She lived her life to the fullest, with boundless energy, curiosity, intelligence, passion, joy, and love," friends posted a statement on the Sally Ride Science website. "Her integrity was absolute; her spirit was immeasurable; her approach to life was fearless."
On June 18, 1983, she became the first American woman in space as a crew member on Space Shuttle Challenger, and in 1984 she became part of another space mission again on Challenger. She spent more than 343 hours in space. Later, she became a physicist and educator.
Ride, however, wished that she had not been the first female astronaut as at the beginning of her career she had to face many sexist remarks. While one reporter asked whether she wept when things went wrong, another newsman asked if she would wear a bra in space. "There is no sag in zero-g," was Ride's famous reply.
President Barack Obama, who said he and his wife Michelle were "deeply saddened" by Ride's passing, added that "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."
"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."
According to her astronaut ex-husband, Steve Hawley, Ride was "a very public persona," but "it was a role in which she was never fully comfortable."
"While she never enjoyed being a celebrity, she recognized that it gave her the opportunity to encourage children, particularly young girls, to reach their full potential," Hawley said in a statement.
Ride is survived by Tam O'Shaughnessy, her partner for more than two decades, her mother, her sister, her niece, nephew, and her staff of 40 at Sally Ride Science along with friends and colleagues.
