“It was hard to become an astronaut. Not anywhere near as much physical training as people imagine, but a lot of mental training, a lot of learning. You have to learn everything there is to know about the Space Shuttle and everything you are going to be doing, and everything you need to know if something goes wrong, and then once you have learned it all, you have to practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice until everything is second nature, so it's a very, very difficult training, and it takes years.” PeopleIfsKnowsNeedsYearsHardDifficultSpacePracticeImagineTrainingAstronautSpace ShuttlePhysical Training Author:Sally Ride
“I have a lot of common sense. I know what needs to be done and how to approach it. I have an ability to work with people on large enterprises.” PeopleKnowsNeedsDoneAbilityCommonApproachCommon SenseEnterprise Author:Sally Ride
“It takes a couple of years just to get the background and knowledge that you need before you can go into detailed training for your mission.” NeedsYearsWomenCoupleTrainingMissionsBackgrounds Author:Sally Ride
“I never went into physics or the astronaut corps to become a role model. But after my first flight, it became clear to me that I was one. And I began to understand the importance of that to people. Young girls need to see role models in whatever careers they may choose, just so they can picture themselves doing those jobs someday. You can't be what you can't see.” PeopleNeedsFirstsMayJobsYoungGirlCareersRolesClearModelsImportancePhysicsAssFlightSomedayRole ModelsBad AssAstronaut Author:Sally Ride
“I've discovered that half the people would love to go into space and there's no need to explain it to them. The other half can't understand and I couldn't explain it to them. If someone doesn't know why, I can't explain it.” PeopleIfsKnowsNeedsI CanSpaceHalfAssBad AssOther Half Author:Sally Ride
“There are lots of opportunities out there for women to work in these fields, ... Girls just need support, encouragement and mentoring to follow through with the sciences.” NeedsGirlOpportunitySupportFieldsEncouragementMentoringFollow Through Author:Sally Ride
