Public Libraries of Suffolk County, New York

Sally Ride, America's first woman in space, Lynn Sherr

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 343-346) and index

individual biography

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Sally Ride

electronic resource eBook

bibliographystandards specifications

Lynn Sherr

America's first woman in space

The definitive biography of Sally Ride, America's first woman in space, with exclusive insights from Ride's family and partner, by the ABC reporter who covered NASA during its transformation from a test-pilot boys' club to a more inclusive elite. Sally Ride made history as the first American woman in space. A member of the first astronaut class to include women, she broke through a quarter-century of white male fighter jocks when NASA chose her for the seventh shuttle mission, cracking the celestial ceiling and inspiring several generations of women. After a second flight, Ride served on the panels investigating the Challenger explosion and the Columbia disintegration that killed all aboard. In both instances she faulted NASA's rush to meet mission deadlines and its organizational failures. She cofounded a company promoting scienceand education for children, especially girls. Sherr also writes about Ride's scrupulously guarded personal life-she kept her sexual orientation private-with exclusive access to Ride's partner, her former husband, her family, and countless friends and colleagues. Sherr draws from Ride's diaries, files, and letters. This is a rich biography of a fascinating woman whose life intersected with revolutionary social and scientific changes in America. Sherr's revealing portrait is warm and admiring but unsparing. It makes this extraordinarily talented and bold woman, an inspiration to millions, come alive

California girl -- 40-Love, Sally -- Wait! -- Thirty-five new guys -- First -- Reentry -- Explosions -- New territory -- Down to Earth -- Sally Ride science -- Duty calls -- The secret -- A very private thing -- Impact