This person died 2012, age 61. She was known for keeping her cool under stress. She politely endured a barrage of questions focused on her sex. She once said, “It’s too bad this is such a big deal. It’s too bad our society isn’t further along.” By the time she began studying laser physics at Stanford, women had already broken through into the physics department—once a boys’ club. In her early days at NASA, she trained in parachute jumping, water survival, weightlessness, and the huge G-forces of a rocket launch. Today’s dead celebrity is Sally Ride.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like Episode 17 Modest Moonwalker (Neil Armstrong) and Episode 107 Corgi Whisperer (Queen Elizabeth II)

Famous & Gravy is created and hosted by Michael Osborne. This episode features guest co-host Michelle Dahlenburg. Production by Evan Sherer, with assistance from Jacob Weiss. Original music by Kevin Strang.

LINKS

Transcript of this episode

Official U.S. Mint page for Sally Ride Quarter

Sally Ride Science at UC San Diego

NYT obituary for Sally Ride

Sesame Street clip featuring Sally Ride

Dead or Alive quiz game

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