Sally Ride: Breaking the Gravity Barrier
| Category: | Defining Moments |
|---|---|
| Notes: | Sally Ride became the first American woman in space when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-7. |
Sally Ride: Breaking the Gravity Barrier
On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride lifted off aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger and made history as the first American woman in space. She was smart, focused, and cool under pressure. But when reporters asked her if she cried in the simulator, or how she'd manage makeup in orbit, she didn't flinch-she answered with grace and grit.
Sally didn't want to be famous. She wanted to serve. And by doing her job well, she inspired countless young people-especially girls-to see themselves in STEM fields, in space, and in leadership roles.
Scouts are called to lead by doing. Sally Ride showed the world that leadership doesn't mean being loud-it means being prepared, being confident, and breaking barriers just by showing up and doing the work.