Washington, D.C., June 16, 2025 – Sally Ride made history in 1983 as the first American woman to travel to space. Now, a new documentary called Sally shares a personal side of her life: her 27-year love story with Tam O’Shaughnessy. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in January and airs on National Geographic on June 16. It will be available to stream on Disney+ starting June 17.
A Hidden Romance Comes to Light
Sally Ride was a trailblazer at NASA, but she kept her personal life private. She and Tam O’Shaughnessy, her life partner, shared a deep bond for nearly three decades. Their relationship began as a childhood friendship and turned romantic in 1985. They chose to keep it out of the public eye for most of their lives.
Just ten days before Ride passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2012 at age 61, she gave O’Shaughnessy permission to share their story. “Sally told me to decide how open I wanted to be,” O’Shaughnessy said in an interview. “Our friends and family knew, but it didn’t feel right to hide it anymore.”
The documentary Sally explores both Ride’s NASA achievements and this personal love story. Directed by Cristina Costantini, the film uses O’Shaughnessy’s memories to paint a full picture of Ride’s life.
A Story of Love and Legacy
The film highlights key moments in Ride’s career, like her historic spaceflight on the Space Shuttle Challenger. It also dives into her private life, showing the love she shared with O’Shaughnessy. Since Ride was a private person and few photos of the couple exist, the documentary uses reenactments to bring their story to life. Actors recreate scenes based on O’Shaughnessy’s detailed memories.
“I hope this film shows Sally as she really was,” O’Shaughnessy said. “We had a beautiful relationship, from childhood friends to partners. It’s something to be proud of.”
O’Shaughnessy’s openness adds heart to the documentary. Producer Lauren Cioffi explained, “Tam’s voice was the closest we could get to Sally. Her honesty made the film special.” O’Shaughnessy shared both joyful and emotional moments, including her grief when Ride became ill. “Talking about Sally’s sickness was hard,” she said. “It brought back so many feelings.”
Why This Story Matters
Sally Ride’s achievements inspired generations, especially women in science. She earned a Ph.D. in physics and joined NASA in 1978. Her 1983 mission broke barriers for women in space exploration. After leaving NASA, Ride wrote science books for children and started a company, Sally Ride Science, to encourage young people to pursue STEM careers.
The documentary adds a new layer to her legacy by showing her personal side. “Sally was private, but her love story with Tam is part of who she was,” director Costantini said. “It makes her even more relatable as an American hero.”
The film also reflects changing times. In the 1980s, same-sex relationships were rarely discussed openly, especially for public figures like Ride. By sharing their story now, O’Shaughnessy hopes to honor Ride’s life fully and authentically.
What to Expect from the Documentary
- Historic Moments: The film covers Ride’s groundbreaking NASA career, including her two space missions in 1983 and 1984.
- Personal Insights: O’Shaughnessy shares heartfelt stories about their life together, from childhood to their final days.
- Emotional Depth: The documentary balances Ride’s public achievements with private moments, including her battle with cancer.
- Visual Storytelling: Reenactments and rare archival footage bring Ride’s story to life.
The film has been praised for its sensitivity and depth. Critics at Sundance called it “a moving tribute to a pioneer.” It appeals to both fans of space exploration and those interested in personal stories of love and resilience.
Looking Ahead
Sally is more than a look back at Ride’s life. It’s a reminder of how far society has come in accepting diverse relationships. As President Donald Trump leads the nation in 2025, stories like Ride’s highlight the importance of celebrating all aspects of a person’s legacy, both professional and personal.
The documentary encourages viewers to reflect on courage, love, and breaking barriers. It airs on National Geographic on June 16, 2025, and streams on Disney+ starting June 17. For those inspired by Ride’s story, her work in science education continues through Sally Ride Science, which remains active in promoting STEM for young people.