The Associated Press reports Sally Ride, the first female U.S. astronaut, died yesterday at the age of 61 after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

While more than two scores of female astronauts have flown into space after Sally, it is Sally that we all know. She cleared the way for young girls and women everywhere to play among the stars. She also made science and math super cool. After she left NASA, she began her own business to encourage children to pursue math and science fun, fostering entrance into related careers.

What an amazing life. What an amazing woman. She’ll always be a hero of mine.