2-839-772 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Aviator helmet belonging to Sally K. Ride, ca. 1983. Dr. Sally K. Ride became the first American woman in space when she flew on the STS-7 shuttle mission in 1983. As a scientist astronaut rather than a pilot, Ride trained for flight in the backseat of a Northrop T-38 training jet, learning navigation and communication procedures. This is one of the helmets she wore on those flights. She so enjoyed the experience of flying that she took private lessons and earned her pilot license.