The Life Of Sally Ride

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for postdoctoral work in
astrophysics. Previously, astronauts had always been military pilots, but
now NASA wanted to hire scientists and technicians who could monitor the
complex technology of the shuttle. Prior to her application, no women had
ever been accepted into NASA's space program. There were over 8,000
applicants for the thirty-five positions available. 1,251 of the 8,000
people who applied were women and only six were accepted.
Sally Ride was one of the six, although she didn't go into space
right away. Her first assignment with NASA was On-Orbit Capsule
Communicator (CAP-COM), or mission control. In August 1979, she completed
her training and education and was designated as a mission specialist. In
this position Sally would learn about future shuttle information, such as
shuttle launching and the shuttle systems.
In 1982, Commander Robert Crippen hand selected his crew for the
launching of the Challenger, Sally Ride was included. Fifty-seven ...

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