Watch the program live on NASA TV: www.nasa.gov/ntv

As a child, Sally Ride did not dream of going into space. She was completing her PhD in physics when the idea dawned. Along with five other women scientists, she was selected by NASA to become a mission specialist in 1978. On June 18, 1983, she became the first American woman to fly in space, on the seventh space shuttle mission. In anticipation of the 30th anniversary of her flight, the Museum will present a program focusing on her achievements and her legacy.

Dr. Ride, who died in July, became a full-time educator after she left NASA in 1987. After teaching at the college level for several years, she founded Sally Ride Science to encourage girls and underrepresented minority students to pursue careers in science, math, and technology.

Panelists will include Dr. Margaret Weitekamp, curator, National Air and Space Museum's Department of Space History; Dr. Ellen Ochoa, director, Johnson Space Center; Dr. Linda Billings, School of Media and Public Affairs, The George Washington University; Dan Vergano, chief science writer, USA Today; and Rene McCormick, executive director of the National Math and Science Initiative. Tom Costello of NBC News will serve as the moderator of the panel.