Born May 26, 1951, Encino, California, U.S.—died July 23, 2012

Sally Ride was the first American female in space and the first acknowledged gay astronaut. She went on two space research missions for NASA. 

She was “passionate about improving science education and helping young women …foster an interest in science.” One of her endeavors was Imaginary Lines, which supports girls interested in math, science, and technology. She established Sally Ride Science, a nonprofit organization that encourages children from all backgrounds to take an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).