In June 1983, just 17 days before she became the first American woman to launch into space, Sally Ride joined then-President Ronald Reagan for a walk on the White House North Lawn. Now, 40 years later, the two will "meet" again, albeit in a different, but no less prestigious courtyard.
A life-size statue of the astronaut is set to be unveiled at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California. The reveal, at the entrance to the outdoor Peace Plaza, is part of the festivities planned for the Reagan Presidential Foundation's annual Fourth of July celebration at 12:00 p.m. PDT (1900 GMT) on Tuesday, July 4.
"When unveiled, this statue will be a wonderful addition to the grounds of the Reagan Library," Randle Swan, supervisory curator and acting deputy director of the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, told collectSPACE. "Dr. Sally Ride was an American hero and humble pathfinder who sought to expand science and human knowledge."
"The location of her likeness is in full view of the western sky, nestled under some shade trees in full view of the Pacific Ocean and only steps away from the F-117 Stealth and the F-14 [aircraft] on static display," said Swan.
Although still under wraps in California, an identical statue already stands in Garden City, New York. In June 2022, the Cradle of Aviation Museum revealed the monument to Ride created by Colorado-based sculptors and brothers George and Mark Lundeen, working with fellow artist Joey Bainer.
Related: Photos of Sally Ride, the 1st American woman in space
