NASA Chief Historian Brian Odom introduces a panel to discuss “Partnerships Across Hubble’s History” during an event titled “Beyond the Deep Field: Hubble’s Legacy and the Future of Cosmic Observation,” Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Chief Historian Brian Odom moderates “The Legacy of Sally Ride: The First American Woman in Space” event at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 15, 2023. Forty years ago, Ride made her trailblazing flight into space. A hero to millions, Ride was a steadfast advocate for inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) – especially for girls and young women – until her death in 2012 from pancreatic cancer. Appearing on the monitor in the background is Sally Ride’s life partner of 27 years, Tam O’Shaughnessy.

Tam O’Shaughnessy, center (on the monitor), speaks during “The Legacy of Sally Ride: The First American Woman in Space” event at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 15, 2023. O’Shaughnessy was Ride’s lifetime partner for 27 years, until the pioneering astronaut died in 2012 at age 61 from pancreatic cancer. NASA Chief Historian Brian Odom, left, and Bear Ride, Sally Ride’s sister, also participated in the event. Forty years ago, Ride made her trailblazing flight into space. She also was a physicist and a steadfast advocate for inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) – especially for girls and young women.