Sally Ride boldly went where no American woman had gone before. She became an astronaut. After earning degrees in physics, Ride was one of only six female scientists chosen to train for NASA's space-shuttle program. In 1983, she became the first American woman in space when she served on the shuttle Challenger. "The thing that I'll remember most about the flight is that it was fun," said Ride.
Since leaving NASA, Ride, now 53, has taught, written and founded Imaginary Lines, an organization that helps girls study math and science.