Sally Ride, America's First Woman in Space,...

Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman to go into space, has died at the age of 61. She succumbed following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

According to a report from ABC News, Ride went up into space on June 18, 1983. She was on board the space shuttle Challenger.

Joining the astronaut class of 1978, Ride was also a member of the "investigative panel called to review the Columbia and Challenger disasters."

In addition to her claim to fame as the first American woman in space, Ride was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame and the National Women's Hall of Fame. She received the NASA Space Flight Medal twice. Her venture into space paved the way for 30 more American women after her who went into orbit.

America has lost a pioneer and women have lost a great mentor in the passing of Dr. Sally Ride. Prayers and condolences are no doubt going out to her family members and friends from around the world.