Sally Ride, 1951 - 2012

Posted by Bill Nye

2012/07/23 05:41 CDT

Topics: obituary, human spaceflight, astronaut, Space Shuttle program

Sally Ride changed the world. We are very sorry to hear of her recent death after a nearly two-year battle with cancer. Dr. Ride was an excellent astronaut, a remarkable educator, and a longtime Planetary Society friend and adviser. Her particular passion was to get girls excited about science. She did just that. Her Sally Ride Science programs, which include camps, academies, educator institutes, and festivals will carry her legacy into the future. I encourage everyone to take a moment over the next few days and honor Sally Ride by giving a young person a reminder that she or he could pursue a career in science and change the world just as Sally did. She will be missed.

Comments:

kenkrauswriter: 07/23/2012 10:27 CDT

Sally was a true inspiration for the rest of us earth-bound dreamers. Her life work was based in real science and she soared into the realms of science fiction.

Larry: 07/24/2012 04:53 CDT

Dr. Ride was a great proponent of women in space. I know my girls were inspired by her enthusiasm and encouragement. It is truly a adventure that she accomplished for America.

bware: 07/25/2012 04:03 CDT

Dr. Sally Ride did lead the way and never stopped. Her spaceflight was the leverage she took advantage of to breakdown social barriers to adventures in life. Young girls and ladies, keep the fun Ride going with science and adventure! Yes you can!

Dr Sci-fi: 07/26/2012 01:21 CDT

I was saddened to hear about the death of Sally Ride, the first US woman in space. She first left this planet in '83, the year I was born. I did a school report on her in elementary school and have always been inspired by her achievements. She was my favorite astronaut.

w: 07/31/2012 03:15 CDT

She was an amazing and accomplished person... an historical figure. I will miss her too.