"(Sally) Ride is survived by Tam O'Shaughnessy, her partner of 27 years..."

[KamaAina]

http://news.yahoo.com/sally-ride-first-us-woman-space-dead-61-212809122.html

I had no idea. A trailblazer in more ways than one.

On the other hand, it really sucks that a freakin' ASTRONAUT was not allowed to marry!!

[MrMickeysMom]

1. I learned of this tonight on Jennifer Granholm's "War Room" tonight.

A rare interview with her before she was picked as an astronaut. Just a really smart PhD with a future. Gee... wonder what they would have done if this was politicized back in the 80's.

So sad we have not progressed, and in fact, what the hell... do you see astronauts in the news anymore?

[HopeHoops]

2. Yes, they are in the news. China's first woman in space took off and returned last month.

[MrMickeysMom]

3. I imagine we could accentuate the interest of mutual space exploration...

... were we not busy destroying the world's economy. That seems to be more the concern with the Chinese than international space exploration and things like women excelling in science.

Thanks for informing me!

[HopeHoops]

5. Our time as leaders in the space program is over. Perhaps we'll have another time one day.

[MrMickeysMom]

7. Why couldn't we cooperate?

We have a brain trust left over (I think) from NASA, which, when coupled with the technical skills of the Chinese, would be a winning combination.

[HopeHoops]

8. We are cooperating. The Russians are keeping the ISS alive now. China isn't far behind.

[malaise]

4. The really sad news is that her partner will receive no benefits

So for the Rmoneys and ReTHUGs, that word hero has no meaning.

[HappyMe]

6. Rest in peace Sally Ride.

Comforting vibes for Tam.