Sally’s love of learning and science motivated her to study physics in college. While she was finishing her Ph.D., Sally responded to an article in the student newspaper announcing that, for the first time, NASA was recruiting women into the astronaut corps.
Out of more than 8,000 applicants, she was one of six women accepted into the program. On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride blasted off aboard space shuttle Challenger to become the first American woman – and the youngest American -- to fly in space. Sally’s adventurous nature, quest for discovery, and pioneering accomplishments inspire girls everywhere to boldly reach for the stars.