Sally Ride: A timeless inspiration for women in science -

The mission was six days, she was accompanied by four colleagues, and she loved it so much she went again the following year.

Her journey to space was perhaps the most difficult on Earth, as she had to squeeze into NASA, past years and years of gender bias and discrimination. She was asked questions her male colleagues never had to answer, and her ability was doubted at various points, but she had the intelligence, persistence, and determination that rendered everyone else’s opinions irrelevant.

So to celebrate the woman who stirred NASA up, check out this gallery and learn more about the almost-tennis star and pioneer for women in both science and space travel.

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Making history -

Ride's greatest claim to fame would have to be her status as the first North American woman in space. However, the work that she accomplished during her life was far more expansive.

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Destined for greatness - Sally Kristen Ride was born on May 26, 1951, in the Encino area of Los Angeles, California to parents Dale Burdell Ride and Carol Joyce Ride.

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Brain and brawn - Long before her impressive career and academic achievements, Ride was also an athlete. During her adolescence, the iconic astronaut was a nationally ranked tennis player.

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High praise -

Even tennis icon Billie Jean King suggested to Ride during her studies at Stanford that she should leave college and become a professional tennis player.

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An impressive education - However, tennis took a backseat once Ride discovered her passion for academics. Over the course of her studies she earned four different degrees, including a PhD in physics from Stanford University.

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An astronaut is born -

In 1978, Ride was among the few selected out of 8,000 applicants to join the NASA space program.

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Technology talent - During NASA's second and third space shuttle flights, she served as a ground-based capsule commander. She also assisted in the development of a robot arm for the spacecraft which would retrieve satellites.

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First big break - Ride was selected along with four other crew members to carry out NASA's seventh Space Shuttle mission that launched from the Kennedy Space Center on June 18, 1983.

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Creating history - This NASA mission was a historic moment for both Ride and the world, as she became the first American woman in space, and the third overall. She was joined by members of the original Group 8 astronaut class.

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Challenger's STS-7 crew - On this journey, Ride was joined by fellow astronauts Robert L. Crippen (center), Frederick H. Hauck (lower right), John M. Fabian (upper left), and Norman E. Thagard (upper right).

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A true passion for space travel -

After the Challenger spacecraft landed on June 24, 1983, Ride stated that the experience "was the most fun I’ll ever have in my life," according to NASA.

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Gender bias - Despite her positive experiences on the space mission, Ride was asked an array of demeaning questions before takeoff. For example, one reporter asked how the flight may impact her reproductive organs.

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Facing sexism in science - Shortly after the STS7 NASA mission was completed in 1983, a reporter asked Ride during a press conference if she often cried when frustrated.

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Setting the record straight - Ride gracefully challenged the question's sexist undertones with the simple response, “Why don’t people ask (STS-7 Pilot) Rick (Hauck) these questions?”

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A new chapter -

In 1989, Ride left NASA and instead began a new career path in academia at the University of California Space Institute in San Diego.

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An educator at heart -

Ride was a physics professor, and for a time she also worked for the Center for International Security and Arms Control at Stanford University.

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Spreading knowledge -

Ride led two middle school educational outreach programs for NASA called the ISS EarthKAM and GRAIL MoonKAM projects. From the 1990s until her death, the famed astronaut dedicated her time and her heart to this cause.

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An organization owner - After her career with NASA drew to a close, Ride founded the company Sally Ride Science in 2001, which aimed to inspire young girls to pursue careers in math and science.

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All about the kids -

After she retired from NASA, Sally Ride's passion for early childhood education still burned brightly. She wrote several astronomy-based children's books. 

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Passing on a legacy - During her NASA career and beyond, Ride has served as a source of inspiration for girls and women who want to make their mark in male-dominated industries.

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A researcher and investigator - She also served on the Columbia Accident Investigation Board after the death of the STS-107 crew during the 113th Space Shuttle flight in 2003.

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A tragic loss - The world mourned on July 23, 2012, when the famous symbol for education and female empowerment passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

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Lost but never forgotten - Following her death, scientists, celebrities, and even political figures came forward to honor the loss of a figure who embodied brilliance and bravery.

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Honorable mention - In 2013, former President Barack Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to Ride's lifetime friend, romantic partner, and business partner Tam O'Shaughnessy on her behalf.

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Words of respect -

Obama expressed admiration for Ride's lifetime work, advocating for math and science programs in schools, in a statement released by the White House. Obama said, "She inspired generations of young girls to reach for the stars and later fought tirelessly to help them get there," according to CNN.

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Scientist solidarity -

After her passing in 2012, one of the two first men on the moon, Buzz Aldrin, tweeted, "So sorry to hear of the loss of my friend and fellow astronaut Sally Ride. You will always be an inspiration for women and space," according to CNN.

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Recognition from Hollywood -

The renowned actor and star of the 1995 film 'Apollo 13,' Tom Hanks also posted on Twitter, "God Speed, Sally Ride. She aimed for the stars. Let's all do the same. Hanx," according to E! News.

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Wise words -

According to their website, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden added to the praise saying, "Sally Ride broke barriers with grace and professionalism – and literally changed the face of America's space program."

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A timeless treasure -

Bolden adamantly added, "The nation has lost one of its finest leaders, teachers and explorers. She will be missed, but her star will always shine brightly."

See also: The powerful women who changed the course of history

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