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MonMay 26

Sally Ride Day – May 26, 2025

Sally Ride Day is a special appreciation holiday that is held on May 26 every year. It is the fun celebration of the sensational Sally Ride. She was the first American female astronaut to go to space. This celebration is a strong reminder of the amazing accomplishments of the female astronaut. It is a day that serves to encourage more learning and exploration of space. Sally Ride is a huge role model to girls who are interested in space and science. The date was chosen to commemorate her birthday and has been observed every year since 2003.

History of Sally Ride Day

Sally Ride Day was established in 2003 and has been celebrated every year since. It is a day that is used to remind women that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. It spreads more information about women’s place in science and, therefore, encourages more young girls to pursue their interests in the hard sciences. Looking up to Dr. Ride lets them know that they can accomplish anything and break the glass ceiling. Having more women in space will help us reach greater heights in our scientific achievements.

Dr. Ride was an astronaut who was born in Los Angeles, California on May 26, 1951. She studied at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, and then at U.C.L.A. In 1973, Ride graduated from Stanford University with Bachelor’s degree in English and Physics. She earned a master’s degree in Physics at Stanford in 1975. By 1978, she had earned a Ph.D. in Physics. Her research was based on the interaction of X-rays with the interstellar medium. When Ride applied for NASA’s astronaut training program, she was one of only 35 people selected out of 8,000 applications. She was a part of the first class of American astronauts to include women (NASA Astronaut Group 8). Dr. Ride reached space as the mission specialist aboard STS-7 on the second flight of the Space Shuttle “Challenger”. On June 18, 1983, the STS-7 was launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

Sally Ride Day timeline

1951
Sally Ride is Born

Ride is born in America and grows up in Los Angeles, California

1973
Ride Graduates

Ride graduates with Bachelor's degrees in English and Physics from Stanford University.

1978
Ride Becomes a Doctor

She earns a Ph.D. in Physics at Stanford

1983
The First American Woman In Space

Dr. Ride becomes the first American woman to successfully travel to space aboard the STS-7 shuttle.

Sally Ride Day FAQs

When did Sally Ride retire?

Dr. Ride retired from NASA in 1987 She spent her time encouraging girls to pursue mathematics and science.

Why did Sally Ride go into space?

She was part of a mission to deploy and test satellites. The shuttle launched in Florida from Kennedy Space Center.

What is Sally Ride Science?

Sally Ride Science is a nonprofit that aims to inspire the interest of young people in science. It was established in 2001 by Dr. Ride.

Sally Ride Day Activities

  1. Learn about space

    You can celebrate the holiday by finding out more about space. You’ll enjoy learning about the vast universe we live in.

  2. Do something new

    Dr. Ride was a brave record-breaker. Let her inspire you to do something new that you’ve always wanted to do.

  3. Experience zero gravity

    Some facilities allow you to experience zero gravity. You’ll have fun feeling weightless and floating around.

5 Facts About Sally Ride

  1. Sally Ride was young

    At 32, Dr. Ride was the youngest astronaut to ever travel to space.

  2. She was a professor

    Dr. Ride became a professor of physics — she worked at the University of California in San Diego.

  3. She founded EarthKAM

    It allows students to use a camera on the International Space Station to take digital photos of Earth.

  4. She was a capsule communicator

    After her training at NASA in 1979, Dr. Ride worked as a capsule communicator on the Space Shuttle Columbia’s second and third flights.

  5. She developed a robot arm

    Dr. Ride worked to develop the shuttle's robotic arm between 1981 and 1982

Why We Love Sally Ride Day

  1. It is inspiring

    Sally Ride Day is a holiday that has inspired many people. People are encouraged to chase their dreams and try to accomplish anything they want.

  2. It encourages development

    More women are encouraged to take part in science. Women make great contributions to the scientific fields.

  3. It raises awareness for science

    The holiday is a great opportunity for scientists to get attention for their work. They can get access to funding to further their research and projects.

Sally Ride Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 May 26 Monday
2026 May 26 Tuesday
2027 May 26 Wednesday
2028 May 26 Friday
2029 May 26 Saturday