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NASA officials have offered condolences on the passing away of Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel into space. Ride, 61, passed away on Monday in California, after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said the 'nation has lost one of its finest leaders, teachers and explorers.' "Sally Ride broke barriers with grace and professionalism - and literally changed the face of America's space program," Bolden said. "The nation has lost one of its finest leaders, teachers and explorers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sally's family and the many she inspired. She will be missed, but her star will always shine brightly," he added. NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver said that 'Sally was a personal and professional role model to thousands of women around the world.' "Her spirit and determination will continue to be an inspiration for women everywhere," Garver added. Ride had blasted off in the US space shuttle Challenger in June 1983. Since her first mission in 1983, over 45 women from the US and other countries have flown in space, including two as shuttle commanders.

NASA mourns first US female astronaut Sally Ride