Sally Ride
Born May 26, 1951 (Encino, California)
American astronaut
Sally Ride was the first American woman to travel into outer space. With this feat she became, at age thirty-one, the youngest American sent into orbit. For women, Ride's historic flight was a significant step forward. It also represented the end to a story that began more than twenty years earlier with the Mercury 13 (see entry). Thirteen women fliers had met the same qualifications as the first male astronauts, but they were not permitted to enter the training program. After her ventures into space, Ride rose to prominence within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). She currently holds an academic position, and she is a vital force in promoting math and science education for young students.
Trains as Astronaut
Sally Kristen Ride was born on May 26, 1951, in Encino, California, near Los Angeles. She is the older daughter of Dale Burdell, a political science professor, and Carol Joyce (Anderson) Ride. During her childhood, Sally's parents encouraged her curiosity and sense of adventure. When she was nine years old, her father took a sabbatical (temporary leave) from his
teaching position at Santa Monica Community College and the family traveled throughout Europe for a year.
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