NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announces during a National Tribute to Sally Ride that NASA is recognizing Ride, first American woman in space, by renaming a camera aboard the International Space Station the Sally Ride EarthKAM and that President Obama will award a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announces during a National Tribute to Sally Ride that NASA is recognizing Ride, first American woman in space, by renaming a camera aboard the International Space Station the Sally Ride EarthKAM and that President Obama will award a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., left, talks with Tam O'Shaughnessy, Sally Ride's life partner and chair, board of directors of Sally Ride Science, prior to the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Co-Founder of Sally Ride Science Karen Flammer talks about educational outreach programs for NASA, ISS EarthKAM, and Grail MoonKAM during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., shares how astronaut Sally Ride changed STEM education and policy during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., shares how astronaut Sally Ride changed STEM education and policy during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sally Ride's life partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, Chair of the Board of Sally Ride Science, talks during a program titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA's Associate Administrator for Education and former astronaut Leland Melvin and former astronaut and space shuttle commander Pam Melroy, speak about Sally Ride's impact on the astronaut corps, the space program and beyond during a National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Craig Barrett, retired CEO and Chairman of Intel, speaks of Sally Ride's impact on support for STEM education in corporate America as Alice Zhao, Harvard University student looks on during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Bear Ride, the sister of pioneering astronaut Sally Ride, speaks during “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.

Damian Kulash of OK Go performs "All Is Not Lost" during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Miles O'Brien of PBS serves as master of ceremonies during a National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

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.

Singer Patti Austin performs Tena Clark's "Way Up There" during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Tennis legend and champion for change Billie Jean King talks of inspiration role models during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Journalist and former First Lady of California Maria Shriver reads the poem "The Summer Day" by Mary Oliver during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Tennis legend and champion for change Billie Jean King talks of inspiration role models during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Singer Patti Austin performs Tena Clark's "Way Up There" during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Journalist and former First Lady of California Maria Shriver talks prior to reading the poem "The Summer Day" by Mary Oliver during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras performs "Clair du Lune" with Guest Conductor Emil de Cou during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Kennedy Space Center employees attend “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.

Jennifer Kunz, associate director, technical, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, addresses the audience at “The Legacy of Sally Ride: The First American Woman in Space” event at the Florida spaceport 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.

From left, astronauts Pam Melroy; Kay Hire; Cady Coleman; Kathy Sullivan; Tam O'Shaughnessy, Sally Ride's life partner and chair, board of directors of Sally Ride Science; astronauts Bonnie Dunbar; Sandy Magnus; Julie Payette; and Ellen Ochoa, pose for a photograph before a National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sally Ride's life partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, Chair of the Board of Sally Ride Science, talks during a program titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., left, talks with NASA Johnson Space Center Director and former Astronaut Ellen Ochoa as other astronauts look on prior to the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Student dancers from the North Carolina School of the Arts dance "Jordan" from Sweet Fields, Choreographed by Twayle Tharp, as the Centerville High School Chorus sings during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Tom Costello from NBC News moderates a panel discussion titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" at the National Air and Space Museum on Friday, May 17, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Tam O'Shaughnessy, Sally Ride's life partner and chair, board of directors of Sally Ride Science, is seen with President Barack Obama as she prepares to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of Dr. Ride, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 at the White House in Washington. Sally Ride, who was awarded the Medal of Freedom posthumously, was the first American female astronaut to travel to space. As a role model to generations of young women, she advocated passionately for science education, stood up for racial and gender equality in the classroom, and taught students from every background that there are no limits to what they can accomplish. The Medal of Freedom is our Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Tam O'Shaughnessy, Sally Ride's life partner and chair, board of directors of Sally Ride Science, is seen with President Barack Obama as she prepares to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of Dr. Ride, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 at the White House in Washington. Sally Ride, who was awarded the Medal of Freedom posthumously, was the first American female astronaut to travel to space. As a role model to generations of young women, she advocated passionately for science education, stood up for racial and gender equality in the classroom, and taught students from every background that there are no limits to what they can accomplish. The Medal of Freedom is our Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Tam O'Shaughnessy, Sally Ride's life partner and chair, board of directors of Sally Ride Science, is seen with President Barack Obama as she accepts the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of Dr. Ride, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 at the White House in Washington. Sally Ride, who was awarded the Medal of Freedom posthumously, was the first American female astronaut to travel to space. As a role model to generations of young women, she advocated passionately for science education, stood up for racial and gender equality in the classroom, and taught students from every background that there are no limits to what they can accomplish. The Medal of Freedom is our Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Director of the NASA Johnson Space Center Ellen Ochoa shares her experiences during a program titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Tom Costello from NBC News moderates a panel discussion titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" at the National Air and Space Museum on Friday, May 17, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rene McCormick, director of standards and quality, National Math and Science Initiative, talks during a program titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Dan Vergano, science writer for USA Today talks during a program titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum Senior Curator in the Division of Space History Dr. Roger Launious begins a program titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the Museum in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Director of the NASA Johnson Space Center Ellen Ochoa shares her experiences during a program titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Tom Costello from NBC News moderates a panel discussion titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" as Director of the NASA Johnson Space Center Ellen Ochoa looks on at the National Air and Space Museum on Friday, May 17, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Linda Billings, research professor, Media and Public Affairs, The George Washington University shares her thoughts during a program titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Linda Billings, research professor, Media and Public Affairs, The George Washington University shares her thoughts during a program titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Margaret Weitekamp, space history curator, National Air and Space Museum, talks about the history of women in space during a program titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Director of the NASA Johnson Space Center Ellen Ochoa talks as Tom Costello from NBC News moderates a panel discussion titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" at the National Air and Space Museum on Friday, May 17, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

S84-37256 (June 1984) - Astronaut Sally K. Ride.

Exhibits draw crowds of young women attending the Sally Ride Science Festival, held at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla. The event promotes science, math and technology as future career paths for girls. Former astronaut Sally Ride addressed the girls, while breakout sessions afforded closer interaction between Ride and festival attendees. Since it followed the tragic loss of the Columbia astronauts, a large poster was presented which attendees could sign as tribute.

Panel discussion participants, from left, Linda Billings, research professor, Media and Public Affairs, The George Washington University, Ellen Ochoa, director, NASA Johnson Space Center, Tom Costello, NBC News and moderator for the event, Margaret Weitekamp, space history curator, National Air and Space Museum, Dan Vergano, science writer for USA Today, and Rene McCormick, director of standards and quality, National Math and Science Initiative, are seen during a program titled "Sally Ride: How Her Historic Space Mission Opened Doors for Women in Science" held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Students at A.P. Tureaud Elementary School in New Orleans welcome Supriya Jindal and astronaut Sally Ride during their visit to the school.

S83-32568 (23 May 1983) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride, STS-7 mission specialist, straps herself into a seat in the Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) in Johnson Space Center?s Mission Simulation and Training Facility. Dr. Ride and the other STS-7 crew members continue their simulations in the motion base simulator in preparation for their flight in the space shuttle Challenger. Launch is scheduled for June 18. Troy Stewart, suit technician, assisted Dr. Ride. Photo credit: NASA

S83-35783 / STS007-05-029 (18-24 June 1983) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride, mission specialist, is shown here sitting in the front seat and looking out the windows of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger. Ride and four other crew members are onboard the Challenger.

Louisiana first lady Supriya Jindal joins astronaut Sally Ride in speaking to teachers and students at A.P. Tureaud Elementary School in New Orleans.

Louisiana first lady Supriya Jindal joins astronaut Sally Ride in speaking to teachers and students at A.P. Tureaud Elementary School in New Orleans.

S85-41007 (9 May 1983) --- At NASA's Johnson Space Center, astronaut Sally K. Ride takes a break from training as a mission specialist for NASA's STS-7 spaceflight in Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA

S83-32571 (23 May 1983) --- Four-fifths of the STS-7 crew take a break from simulations in the Johnson Space Center?s Mission Simulation and Training Facility and pose for NASA photographer. Standing on the steps leading into the motion-based Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) are (left to right) astronauts Robert L. Crippen, John M. Fabian, Frederick H. Hauck and Sally K. Ride. Crippen is crew commander; Hauck, pilot; and Fabian and Ride are mission specialists, along with Norman E. Thagard (not involved in this phase of training and not pictured). Photo credit: NASA

S83-35763 / STS007-02-027 (18 June 1983) --- Seen on the flight deck of the space shuttle Challenger, astronaut Sally K. Ride, STS-7 mission specialist, became the first American woman in space on June 18, 1983. Photo credit: NASA

Astronaut Sally Ride at the CapCom console during the STS-2 simulation. She appears to be speaking to the crew using a headset.

S83-32569 (23 May 1983) --- A preview of NASA?s next spaceflight is provided by this scene in the Johnson Space Center?s Shuttle mission simulator (SMS) with four-fifths of the crew in the same stations they will be in for launch and landing phases of the Challenger?s second space mission. They are (left-right) Astronauts Robert L. Crippen, crew commander; Frederick H. Hauck, pilot; John M. Fabian and Dr. Sally K. Ride, mission specialists. Dr. Norman E. Thagard, a third mission specialist, is to be seated in the mid-deck area below the flight deck for launch and landing phases. Launch is now scheduled for June 18.

TITUSVILLE, Fla. - A wreath was laid at the U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame honoring Sally K. Ride, who became America's first woman in space in 1983. Following her death on July 23, 2012, Ride is being remembered for her service to NASA and for her efforts to encourage children to study math, science and technology. A California-born physicist, she broke the gender barrier 29 years ago when she rode to orbit aboard space shuttle Challenger on STS-7. Ride subsequently served, again as a mission specialist, on STS-41G in 1984. Following her career with NASA, in 2001 Ride founded her own company, Sally Ride Science, to pursue her long-time passion of motivating youth -- especially girls and young women -- to pursue careers in technical fields. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

TITUSVILLE, Fla. - Former astronauts Jon McBride, left, and Bob Crippen, center, along with Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana, also a former astronaut, laid a wreath at the U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame honoring Sally K. Ride, who became America's first woman in space in 1983. Following her death on July 23, 2012, Ride is being remembered for her service to NASA and for her efforts to encourage children to study math, science and technology. Crippen was commander on both of Ride's space shuttle missions. McBride was pilot on her second flight. Ride was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2003. A California-born physicist, she broke the gender barrier 29 years ago when she rode to orbit aboard space shuttle Challenger on STS-7. Ride subsequently served, again as a mission specialist, on STS-41G in 1984. Following her career with NASA, in 2001 Ride founded her own company, Sally Ride Science, to pursue her long-time passion of motivating youth -- especially girls and young women -- to pursue careers in technical fields. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

41G-90028 / S17-90028 (2 Oct 1984) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride, 41-G mission specialist, gets a last look of Houston from the ground prior to departing the area in a T-38 jet aircraft to begin preparations in Florida for her 41-G space mission later in the week. Dr. Ride is in the rear station of a NASA T-38 at Ellington Air Base, near the Johnson Space Center. She and four other astronauts used the jet trainers to fly to Florida while the mission's two payload specialists flew there aboard a Gulfstream aircraft.

Astronauts Sally Ride and Terry Hart prepare for remote manipulator system (RMS) training for STS-2 in bldg 9A. Views include Ride, Hart and Robert R. Kain of the Flight Activites Branch reviewing procedures for RMS training (34262); Ride and Hart stand beside the RMS control center looking down at the payload bay mock-up (34263).

Former astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, left, confers with Norman Augustine, chair, prior to the start of the final meeting of the Human Space Flight Review Committee, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Former astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, left, confers with Norman Augustine, chair, prior to the start of the final meeting of the Human Space Flight Review Committee, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

S81-33963 (July 1981) --- Mission specialist/astronaut Sally K. Ride and Dale E. Moore of the flight control division?s electrical, mechanical and environmental systems branch take a special interest in a simulations session during which the remote manipulator system (RMS, a mechanized arm) takes a momentary spotlight. They are seated at the CAPCOM or capsule communicator console in the mission operations control room of JSC?s mission control center. Dr. Ride will converse with astronauts Joe H. Engle and Richard H. Truly during their STS-2 mission in space when the RMS will have its debut in the Columbia?s cargo bay. Astronaut James F. Buchli, serving in a CAPCOM capacity, is partially obscured behind Dr. Ride. Photo credit: NASA

Simulation activities with the RMS in Bldg. 9A, with Astronaut Sally Ride testing the feasibility of the "Flyswatter" design for the STS-23/51D Mission on 04/15/16/1985. 1. STS-23/51D - Crew Training (Flyswatter) 2. Shuttle - Simulation (Flyswatter) JSC, Houston, TX

Simulation activities with the RMS in Bldg. 9A, with Astronaut Sally Ride testing the feasibility of the "Flyswatter" design for the STS-23/51D Mission on 04/15/16/1985. 1. STS-23/51D - Crew Training (Flyswatter) 2. Shuttle - Simulation (Flyswatter) JSC, Houston, TX

S83-32823 (26 May 1983) --- Astronauts Sally K. Ride and John M. Fabian, attired in clean suits, participate in a STS-7 crew mission test in the Kennedy Space Center's vertical processing facility (VPF). They are two of three STS-7 mission specialists preparing for the June mission. Photo credit: NASA

Simulation activities with the RMS in Bldg. 9A, with Astronaut Sally Ride testing the feasibility of the "Flyswatter" design for the STS-23/51D Mission on 04/15/16/1985. 1. STS-23/51D - Crew Training (Flyswatter) 2. Shuttle - Simulation (Flyswatter) JSC, Houston, TX

Louisiana First Lady Supriya Jindal (left) speaks to teachers and students at A.P. Tureaud Elementary School in New Orleans during a March 19 visit. At the school, Jindal was joined by retired NASA astronaut Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Ride was a crew member on space shuttle Challenger during its STS-7 mission in 1983. She also was a crew member of space shuttle discovery on the STS-41 mission in 1984.

S83-32890 (23 May 1983) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride, STS-7 mission specialist, stands near the Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) in Johnson Space Center's (JSC) Mission Simulation and Training Facility with suit specialist Alan M. Rochford after simulation of various phases of the upcoming STS-7 flight. Photo credit: NASA

Members of the Human Space Flight Review Committee from left, Jeffrey Greason, Dr. Christopher Chyba, Dr. Leroy Chiao, Dr. Sally Ride, Norman Augustine (chair), Philip McAllister, Dr. Edward Crawley, Dr. Wanda Austin, and Bhodan Bejmuk review their notes prior to the start of a public meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Members of the Human Space Flight Review Committee from left, Jeffrey Greason, Dr. Christopher Chyba, Dr. Leroy Chiao, Dr. Sally Ride, Norman Augustine (chair), Philip McAllister, Dr. Edward Crawley, Dr. Wanda Austin (not seen), and Bhodan Bejmuk review their notes prior to the start of a public meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Sally Ride Science Festival, held at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla., young women gather to sign a large poster in tribute to the Columbia astronauts who were lost in the Shuttle's explosion the day before. The Sally Ride event promotes science, math and technology as future career paths for girls. Former astronaut Sally Ride addressed the girls, while breakout sessions afforded closer interaction between Ride and festival attendees.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Sally Ride Science Festival, held at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla., young women gather to sign a large poster in tribute to the Columbia astronauts who were lost in the Shuttle's explosion the day before. The Sally Ride event promotes science, math and technology as future career paths for girls. Former astronaut Sally Ride addressed the girls, while breakout sessions afforded closer interaction between Ride and festival attendees.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large poster in tribute to the Columbia astronauts who were lost in the Shuttle's explosion Feb. 1, is on display in the NASA News Center at KSC. The poster was signed by young women attending the Sally Ride Science Festival at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla. The Sally Ride event promotes science, math and technology as future career paths for girls. Former astronaut Sally Ride addressed the girls at the festival, while breakout sessions afforded closer interaction between Ride and festival attendees.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Sally Ride Science Festival, held at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla., young women gather to sign a large poster in tribute to the Columbia astronauts who were lost in the Shuttle's explosion the day before. The Sally Ride event promotes science, math and technology as future career paths for girls. Former astronaut Sally Ride addressed the girls, while breakout sessions afforded closer interaction between Ride and festival attendees.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Former astronaut Sally Ride talks to young women at the Sally Ride Science Festival, held at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla. The event promotes science, math and technology as future career paths for girls. Breakout sessions afforded closer interaction between Ride and festival attendees. Since it followed the tragic loss of the Columbia astronauts, a large poster was presented which attendees could sign as tribute..

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Sally Ride Science Festival, held at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla., former astronaut Sally Ride talks to young women about their future. The event promotes science, math and technology as future career paths for girls. Breakout sessions afforded closer interaction between Ride and festival attendees. Since it followed the tragic loss of the Columbia astronauts, a large poster was presented which attendees could sign as tribute.

STS007-05-029 / S83-35783(5-13 Oct 1984) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride, mission specialist, is shown here sitting in the front seat and looking out the windows of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger. Ride and four other crew members are onboard the Challenger.

STS007-02-027 (21 June 1983) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride, STS-7 mission specialist, communicates with ground controllers from the flight deck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger.

S83-32822 (5 May 1983) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride (left) participates in a mission sequence test in preparation for STS-7, in the Kennedy Space Center?s (KSC) vertical processing facility (VPF). Dr. Ride is a mission specialist for the flight. She is joined here by Anna L. Fisher, a physician and astronaut from the 1978 group of 35, which also included Dr. Ride. Photo credit: NASA

NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver talks about the many far reaching impacts the late Sally Ride had on America's space program, on education and on Garver's own life, during a speech at the Planetary Society's 2012 Planetfest, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012 in Pasadena, Calif. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

41G-90082 / S17-90082 (5 Oct 1984) --- Astronauts Sally K. Ride (right) and Kathryn D. Sullivan, two of three mission specialists, synchronize their watches prior to ingressing the Space Shuttle Challenger on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). They are in the White Room leading to the entry hatch of the vertically configured spacecraft.

Louisiana First Lady Supriya Jindal fields a question from a student at A.P. Tureaud Elementary School in New Orleans during a March 19 visit. Jindal was joined on her visit by retired astronaut Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.

41G-90081 / S17-90081 (5 Oct 1984) --- The seven member crew leaves the Operations and Checkout Building (OCB) to take a van ride to the launch pad. Leading the way is Kathryn D. Sullivan followed in file by Robert L. Crippen, Paul D. Scully-Power and Jon A. McBride. On the right side are Sally K. Ride, David C. Leestma and Marc Garneau. Trailing the crew are George W. S. Abbey, Richard Nygren, Paul Bulver, and Paul J. Weitz.

STS007-12-536 (18-24 June 1983) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride, STS-7 mission specialist, displays the array of tools at her disposal on the mid deck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger. Dr. Ride is positioned near the monodisperse latex reactor (MLR) experiment. They cylinder near her elbow is the actual reactor and the device next to it at right frame edge is the MRL apparatus container. Dr. Ride and four other astronauts are sharing duties aboard the reusable spacecraft for a six-day space mission full of “firsts.” This photograph was made with a 35mm camera. It was among the visuals used by crewmembers at their post-flight press conference.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut James A. Lovell (standing left) applauds former astronaut Sally K. Ride at her induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Seated on the dais, from left, are former astronauts Gordon Cooper, Scott Carpenter, and Buzz Aldrin, all previously inducted into the Hall of Fame. Being inducted with Ride are Space Shuttle astronauts Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, and Story Musgrave. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut Robert L. Crippen (right) presents former astronaut Sally K. Ride (standing center) at her induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Also standing is former astronaut James A. Lovell. Seated on the dais are, from left, former astronauts John H. Glenn, Gordon Cooper, Buzz Aldrin, and Walter Cunningham, all previously inducted into the Hall of Fame. Being inducted with Ride are Space Shuttle astronauts Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, and Story Musgrave. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut Robert L. Crippen (standing right) congratulates former astronaut Sally K. Ride at her induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Also standing is former astronaut James A. Lovell. Seated on the dais, from left, are former astronauts Gordon Cooper, Scott Carpenter, Buzz Aldrin, Walter Cunningham, Edgar B. Mitchell, and Fred W. Haise, all previously inducted into the Hall of Fame. Being inducted with Ride are Space Shuttle astronauts Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, and Story Musgrave. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, past and present recipients of college scholarships awarded by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation stand up to be recognized by the audience. The occasion was the induction ceremony of four Space Shuttle astronauts into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, including Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally K. Ride. The Foundation awards 17 scholarships annually, each worth $8,500, to students interested in studying science and engineering. Since 1984, more than $1.7 million in scholarship funds have been awarded.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Hundreds of guests attend a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame as part of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the induction of four Space Shuttle astronauts into the Hall of Fame including Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut James Lovell makes the opening remarks at the induction ceremony of four Space Shuttle astronauts into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Being inducted are Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

STS007-02-020 (21 June 1983) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride, STS-7 mission specialist, STS-7 mission specialist, stands in the mid deck of the orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger near one of the experiment with which she has devoted a great deal of time. The continuous flow electrophoresis system (CFES) experiment, about the size of a household refrigerator, stands nearby. One of her fellow crewmembers moves partially out of frame in the background. The tube on her face is part of a communications system linking Dr. Ride to ground controllers in Houston.

STS007-26-1438 (18-24 June 1983) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride, mission specialist, was captured at her sleep station in the Space Shuttle Challenger's middeck by a fellow crew member using a 35mm camera. This method of sleep is just one used by the 20 astronauts who have now flown aboard NASA's first two Space Shuttle Orbiters. Some astronauts choose to sleep in various positions with either their feet or upper bodies or both anchored and others elect to use the sleep restraint device demonstrated here by Dr. Ride.

STS007-14-629 (21 June 1983) --– Astronaut Sally K. Ride, STS-7 mission specialist, performs a number of functions simultaneously, proving the necessity for versatility and dexterity in space travel. Floating freely on the flight deck, Dr. Ride communicates with ground controllers in Houston, moves within feet of important reference data, hand calculators and other aids all at the same time. She is one of the five astronaut crew members for the Challenger’s second orbital mission. Her head is in the station normally occupied by the pilot (in this case, Frederick H. (Rick) Hauck) and her feet are anchored at the station for the crew commander (in this case, Robert L. Crippen). Photo credit: NASA

STS007-15-671 / S83-35767 (21 June 1983) --- Among the "firsts" on the mission is this unprecedented scene of a crew of five astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in space. A pre-set 35mm camera exposed the frame. Left to right on the flight deck are Norman E. Thagard, mission specialist; Robert L. Crippen, commander; Frederick H. Hauck, pilot; Sally K. Ride, mission specialist; and John M. Fabian, mission specialist. Crippen the crew commander, is making his second Space Shuttle trip; pilot Hauck and mission specialist Dr. Ride, Dr. Thagard and Fabian are members of the 1978 class of astronaut candidates (ASCAN).

S83-35768 (18-24 June 1983) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride, mission specialist for STS-7, uses a screw driver in order to clean out an air filtering system in the mid-deck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger. Dr. Ride's constant wear garment bears some extras -- a cartoon of 35 busy astronauts around a Space Shuttle and the acronym TFNG, below which is written, "We deliver!" TFNG stands for thirty-five new guys, referring to the 1978 class of astronaut candidates (ASCAN) from which Dr. Ride and three of her crew members hail. The tiny two-word declarative in white lettering refers to the successful deployment of two communications satellites. This photograph was made with a 35mm camera.

STS007-11-495 (18-24 June 1983) --- Astronaut Sally K. Ride, STS-7 mission specialist, communicates with ground controllers from the mid deck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger. She has just opened one of the large lockers during the operation and monitoring of the continuous flow electrophoresis system (CFES) experiment at left edge. This photograph was made with a 35mm camera.

41G-120-177 (5-13 Oct 1984) --- Egypt and the Nile River Delta are easily recognizable in this 250mm frame. Cairo and the Egyptian pyramids are also visible in the lower left side of this photograph. The crew consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander, Jon A. McBride, pilot; mission specialist’s Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma; Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau; and Paul D. Scully-Power payload specialist.

51L-10166 (4 March 1986) --- Members of the Presidential Commission on the space shuttle Challenger accident arrive at the Launch Control Center at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Commission members present are Robert Hotz (center) and Dr. Sally Ride. Others pictured are John Chase, staff assistant to the Commission (far right) and from left to right: Bob Sieck, Director of Shuttle operations; Jack Martin and John Fabian.

41G-07-021 (5-13 October 1984) --- Astronauts Kathryn D. Sullivan, left, and Sally K. Ride show off what appears to be a "bag of worms", a product of their creativity. The "bag" is a sleep restraint and the majority of the "worms" are springs and clips used with the sleep restraint in its normal application. Clamps, a bungee cord and Velcro strips are other recognizable items in the "creation".