Lasting Legacy of Sally Ride: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Sally Ride continue to shape the world today.

Sally Ride was an American astronaut and physicist who became the first American woman in space in 1983. Joining NASA in 1978, her historic flight made her a symbol of progress and inspired countless individuals. She was also the youngest American astronaut to fly in space. Beyond her space missions, Ride dedicated herself to promoting science education, particularly for young girls. Her career encompassed scientific research and a commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists and explorers.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

December 6, 2006: Induction into the California Hall of Fame

On December 6, 2006, Ride was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

December 2012: General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award

Also in December 2012, Ride posthumously received the Space Foundation's General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award.

December 17, 2012: GRAIL probes crash on lunar mountain

On December 17, 2012, the two GRAIL probes, Ebb and Flow, were directed to complete their mission by crashing on an unnamed lunar mountain near the crater Goldschmidt.

2012: Posthumous Revelation of O-Ring Information

After her death in 2012, it was revealed that Ride had provided key information about O-rings to the Rogers Commission, which eventually led to identifying the cause of the Challenger explosion.

April 2013: Navy Announces Research Ship Named After Ride

In April 2013, the United States Navy announced that a research ship would be named in honor of Ride.

May 20, 2013: National Tribute to Sally Ride

On May 20, 2013, a "National Tribute to Sally Ride" was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

July 2013: Flying Magazine Honor

In July 2013, Flying magazine ranked Ride at number 50 on their list of the "51 Heroes of Aviation".

November 20, 2013: Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded

On November 20, 2013, President Barack Obama announced that Ride would posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. The medal was presented to O'Shaughnessy in a ceremony at the White House.

August 9, 2014: Christening of RV Sally Ride

On August 9, 2014, the RV Sally Ride (AGOR-28) was christened by O'Shaughnessy.

2014: Induction into the Legacy Walk

In 2014, Sally Ride was inducted into the Legacy Walk, a public display in Chicago that celebrates LGBT history and people.

2015: Sally Ride Science Moved to UCSD

In 2015, Sally Ride Science moved to the University of California, San Diego.

2015: Google Doodle Honoring Sally Ride

In 2015, Sally Ride was honored with a Google Doodle on what would have been her 64th birthday.

2016: Delivery of RV Sally Ride

In 2016, The RV Sally Ride (AGOR-28) was delivered to Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

2017: Reuse of Google Doodle on International Women's Day

The Google Doodle honoring Sally Ride was reused on International Women's Day in 2017.

2018: U.S. Postal Service Stamp Honoring Sally Ride

In 2018, the U.S. Postal Service issued a first-class postage stamp honoring Sally Ride.

March 2019: USWNT Honors Sally Ride

For their first match of March 2019, the women of the United States women's national soccer team each wore a jersey with the name of a woman they were honoring on the back; Tierna Davidson chose the name of Sally Ride.

2019: Sally Ride House at Stanford University

In 2019, Stanford University's Serra House, located in Lucie Stern Hall, was renamed the Sally Ride House.

March 2022: Appearance on American Women Quarters Series

In March 2022, Sally Ride appeared as one of the first two honorees of the American Women quarters series, becoming the first known LGBT person to appear on U.S. currency.

April 2022: Launch of Satellite Named After Ride

On April 1, 2022, a satellite named after Ride (ÑuSat 27 or "Sally", COSPAR 2022-033R) was launched into space as part of the Satellogic Aleph-1 constellation.