Sally Ride

Three decades ago, astronaut Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. She died in 2012 at the age of 61. NBC s Brian Williams reports.

On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space as she and four colleagues blasted off from Kennedy Space Center aboard the space shuttle Challenger for a 147-hour mission. NBC s Robert Bazell Reports from Cape Canaveral, Fl.

Surveillance prevented at least 10 U.S. terror attacks, NSA says; Obama to speak at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin; Taliban announces willingness to talk with US; Days of Rambo are over : women to enter combat roles; More protests expected as Brazilians decry corruption; Tornado touches down near Denver airport; AMA recognizes obesity as a disease; Search for Hoffa continues in Michigan field; Business, tourism take a hit as Great Lakes evaporate; 30 years ago: Sally Ride s journey into space; Chrysler agrees to recall 1.56 million Jeeps; Recalculating! GPS may lead you astray; Welcoming pets in the hospital

Highlights of this day in history: Churchill rallies Britain in World War II; Napoleon beaten at Battle of Waterloo; Amelia Earhart crosses the Atlantic; Sally Ride becomes America's first woman in space; Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney born. (June 18)