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Ride, Sally Ride: You remember astronaut who inspired women

Story highlights

  • Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, died aged 61
  • Ride was a passionate advocate for female advancement in the sciences, math and tech
  • CNN readers have shared their memories and condolences on, Facebook and Twitter

Sally Ride became the first American woman in space when she flew into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983, but that was far from her only achievement.

The 61-year-old astronaut, who died Monday after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer was an inspiration to women around the world and a passionate advocate of female advancement in the fields of science, technology and mathematics.

She founded Sally Ride Science in 2001 -- an educational organization which sought to encourage girls and young students to pursue their passion for science -- a predominantly male-dominated field.

Ride also wrote a number of children's books, earned several degrees (including a PhD in Physics from Stanford University) and returned to space on her second and final mission in 1984.

See also: First American woman in space dies

Saying goodbye to Sally Ride

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    Saying goodbye to Sally Ride

Saying goodbye to Sally Ride 01:11
First American woman in space dies

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    First American woman in space dies

First American woman in space dies 01:24

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    Ride in 2006: Have to 'smash stereotypes'


But while she may be best remembered for smashing the glass ceiling of the U.S. space program, the tributes made since her death have emphasized Ride's status as a pioneer and shining example to ambitious women the world over.



Former astronaut and scientist Buzz Aldrin meanwhile tweeted "So sorry to hear of the loss of my friend and fellow astronaut Sally Ride. You will always be an inspiration for women and space."

Actor and star of Apollo 13, Tom Hanks, followed up with: "God Speed, Sally Ride. She aimed for the stars. Let's all do the same. Hanx"

These emotional sentiments were shared by thousands of others who got in touch with CNN via Facebook and to express their condolences.

Annabeth66 posted: "Ride, Sally Ride! You were my hero when I was a little girl and was told by my grade school teacher, that girls can not become astronauts. RIP for you are loved by so many."

JusticEdge said: "Sally, you were awesome. I hesitate to use the past tense. You made it in the NASA space program that ... regularly reject(s) Navy SEALS. Thank you for breaking the gender barrier and thank you for showing us that in (these) trying times, decent human being can still be everything they hoped for."

See also: Photos of Sally Ride's 1983 Challenger launch

Thousands of others took to Twitter to pay their respects, with the tributes coming from every corner of the globe.

Thagard: Sally Ride wanted to inspire

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    Thagard: Sally Ride wanted to inspire

Thagard: Sally Ride wanted to inspire 02:16
1983: Reagan honors Ride &amp; astronauts

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    1983: Reagan honors Ride & astronauts

1983: Reagan honors Ride & astronauts 01:30
2008: Ride recounts first space flight

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    2008: Ride recounts first space flight

2008: Ride recounts first space flight 03:29

Ingerlindsay tweeted: "RIP, Sally Ride. You inspired millions of girls to be brave _and_ brilliant. We need more role models like you."

DanaGoh chimed in with: "Sally Ride thank you for being a woman of courage, confidence, and character! Thank you for showing girls that they can achieve anything."

Hundreds of others who got in touch with CNN were keen to share their own personal stories about how Ride inspired and encouraged them at pivotal stages in their lives and careers, proving that women could make it in science.

Marhattan said: "You were a childhood hero and inspiration. I stayed home when I was 9 years old to watch the first woman go to space and it altered the course of my life. I graduated with a degree in astrophysics and have been active in the space community my entire adult life in large part because her actions and courage ... I hope she died having some idea of the extent to which she had a positive impact in the lives of others. Thank you!"




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