posted 06-21-2008 02:47 AM               

Twenty-five years ago this week, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. She was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger as part of the first five-man crew, commanded by Bob Crippen. During the six-day flight, two communications satellites were deployed. The mission also featured the first deployment and retrieval exercise with the Shuttle Pallet Satellite (SPAS-01), producing some classic photos of Challenger in space.