Sally Ride, America's first woman in space, dies at 61 after battling cancer

[superbeets]

RIP

Pioneer: Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space, had died at the age of 61 from pancreatic cancer

 

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One of the crew: Ms Ride was one of the five astronauts on board the Space Shuttle Challenger

 

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Inspiration: Ms Ride used her high-profile position to champion scientific causes

 

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Motivation: Ms Ride set up a foundation to encourage children to become involved in science and engineering

 

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Historic: The physicist communicates with ground controllers from the mid-deck of the earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983

 

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Mission: Ms Ride helped developed the robotic arm on the Space Shuttle Challenger

 

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Importance: US President Barack Obama greets former astronaut Sally Ride after speaking on the expansion of his 'Educate to Innovate' initiative

 

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Celebrated: Former NASA Astronaut Dr Sally Ride, right, aided by Carnival Cruise Lines' Captain Carlo Queirolo, left, smashes a bottle of champagne against the side of the Carnival Glory

 

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Fame: Former tennis star Billie Jean King, left, and former astronaut Sally Ride, right, arrive at the induction ceremony for the California Hall of Fame

 

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Fearless: After her historic space flight in 1983, Ms Ride dedicated her life to encouraging girls to become involved in science and engineering

 

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Lift off: The Space Shuttle Challenger launches on June 18, 1983 in Florida

 

[Coldweather]

Thanks for what you did for the space program and rest in peace. Ride Sally Ride. Miss ya and my condolences to your family!