Former Astronaut Sally Ride Dead at 61


Sally Ride

(La Jolla, California) Sally Ride died at her home yesterday from pancreatic cancer. Ride was 61.

Ride rode into space on the space shuttle Challenger in 1983 when she was 32. After her flight, more than 42 other American women flew in space, NASA said.

"Sally was a national hero and a powerful role model. She inspired generations of young girls to reach for the stars," President Barack Obama said in a statement.

NASA administrator Charles Bolden, a former astronaut, said Ride "broke barriers with grace and professionalism — and literally changed the face of America's space program."

Condolences to family and friends.