Sally Ride

Who She Is: 

Sally Ride was the first American woman in space, flying on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983. She grew up loving science and tennis, and she worked hard to become a physicist before being chosen as an astronaut.

Why She Matters: 

Ride showed that women could achieve great things in space exploration. She encouraged young people, especially girls, to study science and follow their dreams. Her story inspires children to believe that their curiosity can take them to the stars.