National Geographic Television and film director Cristina Costantini premeried Sally, a Documentary film starring Sally Ride who was the first American woman in space at the 2025 Milwaukee Film Festival. Tam O’Shaughnessy, Sally’s life partner of 27 years, made the project possible by telling the more beautiful complex story to get a fuller picture of who this icon was.
Sally Ride first boarded the Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-7 in June of 1983. She became the first American woman to go to space, bringing her into the spotlight. From her live interviews to the controversial topics of her being a woman in a male dominated field and married to astronaut Steven Hawley, the world fell in love with her. Sally was known as a remarkable woman who faced enormous obstacles with courage and dignity. Space for the U.S. changed for all time when she proved that women could do this. She was a trailblazer for all of the women who had flown into space after her. While she was honored for her accomplishments and brilliance, there were things Sally chose to hide from the cameras. “All the people that think that Sally should have come out before she died or that Sally should have just graciously accepted her bouquet of flowers…Just let Sally be Sally. That’s what made Sally who she was.” A close friend shared.
What happened during the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster?
Sally was heartbroken by the news of the seven astronauts on mission STS-51L who passed away due to an explosion on January 28, 1986. Christa McAulifee, the first civilian and teacher in space, rode in the shuttle as many children watched it explode while in their classrooms. Sally asked the tough questions about the disaster. A data sheet was handed to her that showed the rubber of the Space Shuttle Challenger was resilient above temperatures of 50 degrees. The Challenger launched at 36 degrees. NASA determined that the rocket booster had failed. Sally resigned, divorced astronaut Steven Hawley and disappeared for a while. Her 27 year life partnership with Tam O’Shaughnessy had begun as a secret during that time.
In the film, Sally’s life partner shared their relationship secret. “About a year before Sally died, I was planning a celebration of life in California for her friends and colleagues. I asked Sally, who am I going to be to the rest of the world to let them know that we were together as a couple?’ Sally said, you decide, and whatever you decide will be the right thing to do. And it was a wonderful feeling,” Tam said during a Q&A session at The Milwaukee Film Festival of 2025. She decided that she was committed to being truthful and honest.
Sally Ride, Tam O’Shaughnessy, Karen Flammer, Terry McEntee and Alann Lopes founded Sally Ride Science in 2001 to inspire young people in STEM. When Sally passed away due to cancer on July 23, 2012, U.C. San Diego funded the non-profit organization to help build students’ STEM literacy and equity. In June of 2014, Tam was invited as a feature guest at NASA’s first LGBTQ Pride event celebration. Sally’s career, life story and personality continues to inspire millions. People can see the film this summer on Disney + and Hulu.
