Two months ago, Sally Ride was literally in the clouds as the first American woman in space, but ever since she and the crew from the Space shuttle Challenger touched down, Sally Ride has been cruising on *** different kind of high. This morning, the California native received *** standing ovation from *** joint session of the legislature. Lawmakers described her as *** true heroine and as *** source of pride for Californians. Later, Ryde received *** similar welcome from thousands of fans outside the Capitol, where she acknowledged her pride in being the first. The United States sending *** woman into space was *** very important event for at least 53% of the population. The trailblazing astronaut ended her day as the guest of honor at *** reception at the Capitol Rotunda, *** day every bit as hectic as launch day, but through it all, Sally Ride displayed *** fine sense of humor. I think I'd go just about any place to take the job of astronaut. Houston was *** little bit extreme. That just shows you how much I wanted the job. Yeah.
RETRO FIND: Sally Ride, first American woman in space, inspired generations to reach for the stars
In 1983, the stars aligned for Sally Ride to become America鈥檚 first woman in space.
Updated: 10:51 AM CDT Mar 17, 2025
On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride made history as the first American woman to journey into space, soaring aboard the shuttle Challenger and inspiring generations to reach for the stars.Two months after her trip, the California legislature recognized Ride as a heroine and a role model for young women. Ride said, 鈥淭he United States sending a woman into space was a very important event for at least 53% of the population, and I'm very proud of that.鈥滱fter her historic trip, Ride worked with NASA for several years before becoming a professor at the University of California.Watch the video above to hear Sally Ride talk more about inspiring women.If you like this archival find, check out more videos below.
On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride made history as the first American woman to journey into space, soaring aboard the shuttle Challenger and inspiring generations to reach for the stars.
Two months after her trip, the California legislature recognized Ride as a heroine and a role model for young women.
Ride said, 鈥淭he United States sending a woman into space was a very important event for at least 53% of the population, and I'm very proud of that.鈥�
After her historic trip, Ride worked with NASA for several years before becoming a professor at the University of California.
Watch the video above to hear Sally Ride talk more about inspiring women.
If you like this archival find, check out more videos below.