RIP Dr. Sally Ride
Astrophysicist and astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, known for her work in the early shuttle program, a lifetime of science advocacy and for being the first American woman in space, has died at age 61 (obituary.) Dr. Ride helped develop early shuttle systems, made two flights on Challenger (STS-7 in 1983 and STS-41-G in 1984) and went on to serve on both shuttle accident investigation boards. More than that, she became a cultural icon and celebrity figure in an era where space traveller was increasingly seen by the public as an everyday job (a 1994 Point of Origin describes the release of Ultima III as happening "back... when Sally Ride was discovering space.") She used that fame to help promote science education throughout her life, ultimately helping found the Challenger Center and Sally Ride Science company. You can access her NASA biography online here. There is little doubt that she was a force for good.
Dr. Ride has yet to be referenced in the Wing Commander canon; the woman who preceded her into space, Valentina Tereshkova, was the namesake of a Plunkett-class heavy artillery cruiser which appeared early in Wing Commander: Secret Ops.
Follow or Contact Us