Sally Ride

American physicist and NASA astronaut Sally Ride became the first American woman in space on STS-7 on 18 June 1983. She also flew STS-41-G and later worked in academia, science education, and shuttle accident investigations.

Active Verified 2026-10-02

Overview

Sally Ride was an American physicist and NASA astronaut, born in 1951 and deceased in 2012. Her place in spaceflight history is tied to STS-7: on 18 June 1983, she became the first American woman in space. She later flew a second Space Shuttle mission, STS-41-G, in 1984. Beyond these flights, her work included academia and science education, and she served on both United States Space Shuttle accident investigation boards. This profile identifies the roles and milestones established by the available record. It does not specify her academic institutions, scientific fields of research, duties on either mission, the names or findings of the investigation boards, or details of her education work.

Essential data

Key fact

American physicist and NASA astronaut, born in 1951 and deceased in 2012.

Key fact

First American woman in space, on STS-7 on 18 June 1983.

Key fact

Flew a second Space Shuttle mission, STS-41-G, in 1984.

Key fact

Worked in academia and science education and served on both US Space Shuttle accident investigation boards.

Sources and references