Sally Ride, first US woman in space, has died

Ride was chosen as a mission specialist for mission STS-7 aboard the shuttle Challenger, which launched into space on June 18, 1983. She made a second flight aboard Challenger in 1984 and served on the Rogers commission that investigated that vehicle’s loss.
She left NASA in 1987 to become a Stanford physicist and also worked on engaging children in science.
Ride holds a special place in my heart because one of her enduring missions has been engaging young girls in science and mathematics — a goal I share with my own two daughters.
She died way too young.
UPDATE: NASA has released a statement from administrator Charlie Bolden: “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.”
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