Sally Ride, a name that echoes through history, is once again making headlines in 2025. This time, it’s not because of another space mission, but for something far more personal and powerful.
A brand-new Sally Ride 2025 documentary titled Sally has premiered, uncovering the untold story of the first American woman in space. Released by National Geographic, and now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, this film brings to light a side of Ride the world has never fully seen—until now.
Sally Ride made history in 1983 when she boarded the space shuttle Challenger on the STS-7 mission. At just 32, she became the youngest American in space and the first woman to break NASA’s gender barrier.
But Sally isn't just a story about space. It’s about identity, resilience, love, and silence.
Directed by Cristina Costantini, this Sally Ride National Geographic documentary explores her personal life and the struggles she faced both publicly and privately.
For decades, Sally Ride remained intensely private. Even after her death in 2012, many didn’t know she was in a same-sex relationship. Her partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, was her confidante, co-author, and quiet pillar for 27 years.
In a powerful moment before her passing, Ride gave O'Shaughnessy permission to publicly reveal their relationship. That decision made Ride the first known LGBTQ+ astronaut in American history.
The film shows their journey with care and respect, shedding light on the emotional challenges of hiding their love during a time of social discrimination.
The Sally Ride 2025 documentary also revisits the cultural and media environment she faced. Interviews and archival clips show the sexist questions she endured from the press.
Questions like “Will space affect your reproductive organs?” and “Will you wear makeup in orbit?” reveal the outdated attitudes she had to navigate. Still, she persisted—becoming a role model for women in STEM worldwide.
Today, her story continues to inspire a new generation of girls in science, math, and space careers.
Before her passing, Sally Ride co-founded Sally Ride Science—a nonprofit committed to encouraging young girls and underrepresented students to explore STEM fields.
Founded in 2001, the program is still active today, offering learning resources and educational outreach that reflect Ride’s lifelong passion for science and teaching.
This Sally Ride documentary 2025 also highlights how her work outside NASA created lasting impact for future innovators and dreamers.
The Sally Ride 2025 documentary premiered at Sundance and is now available to a global audience.
Aired on National Geographic on June 16, 2025
Now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu from June 17
Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, or simply looking for a powerful story of resilience, this film is a must-watch.
In a time when conversations around gender equity and LGBTQ+ inclusion are gaining momentum, Sally Ride’s story feels more relevant than ever.
She broke barriers in space but also fought quiet battles on Earth. The documentary encourages viewers to see her as more than just a hero in a spacesuit—it honors her truth, her silence, and her love.
Final Thoughts on Sally Ride’s Untold Story
The Sally Ride Documentary 2025 is not just about history. It’s about courage, privacy, and transformation.
Sally Ride didn’t just launch into orbit—she launched change. Quietly. Powerfully. Authentically.
Now, the world is finally ready to hear her full story.
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