Sally Ride's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 1, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Sally Ride.

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

May 1969: Eastern Intercollegiate Women's Singles Champion

In May 1969, Sally Ride defended her title as the Eastern Intercollegiate Women's Singles champion.

January 16, 1978: Selected as NASA astronaut

On January 16, 1978, Sally Ride was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 8.

June 1983: First space flight

In June 1983, Sally Ride flew in space on the Space Shuttle Challenger on the STS-7 mission, deploying two communications satellites and the first Shuttle pallet satellite.

June 18, 1983: Space Shuttle Challenger launch

On June 18, 1983, the Space Shuttle Challenger lifted off from Kennedy Space Center, making Sally Ride the first American woman in space.

1983: First American woman in space

In 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman to fly in space.

1984: Second space flight

In 1984, Ride made her second space flight on the STS-41-G mission aboard the Challenger.

1984: Samuel S. Beard Award

In 1984, Sally Ride received the Samuel S. Beard Award for Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years or Under, an award given out annually by Jefferson Awards.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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 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.