Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, has died at 61 from a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer, according to her website.
Sally, a physicist, was also a science writer, and the president and CEO of Sally Ride Science.
As an astronaut, she took two trips to orbit and went on to an award-winning academic career at the University of California, San Diego.
Sally believed in inspiring young people, especially girls, to pursue interests in science.
Here's an excerpt from her site:
"Sally lived her life to the fullest, with boundless energy, curiosity, intelligence, passion, joy, and love. Her integrity was absolute; her spirit was immeasurable; her approach to life was fearless."
She is survived by her partner of 27 years, Tam O'Shaughnessy, her mother, Joyce; her sister, Bear; her niece, Caitlin, and nephew, Whitney; her staff of 40 at Sally Ride Science, along with many friends and colleagues around the country.
NASA, Sally Ride Science